Sr. Director, Clinical Research

Colgate • Piscataway, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director will lead Colgate-Palmolive’s global clinical research strategy and execution in oral health. Leading a team with a strong emphasis on innovation, executing clinical studies with scientific rigor, building strategic partnerships, and driving cross-functional and external collaboration. This role will oversee global clinical programs that support key business priorities across major markets (including China). This candidate will represent Colgate-Palmolive in select international forums, influencing industry standards and aligning the company’s clinical research initiatives with the future of dentistry. The ideal candidate is an internationally renowned expert in oral health and dental clinical research, with substantial industry and/or academic experience, a proven track record of leading clinical programs, and demonstrated strength in people leadership and collaborative partnerships.

Requirements

• DDS or DMD
• At least 10 years of experience in oral health research, with a strong emphasis on clinical dental and oral research.
• Extensive experience in industry and/or academia, with a demonstrated record of impact in these settings.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing clinical studies utilizing standardized dental assessment indices (e.g., caries, plaque, gingivitis, periodontology, sensitivity, whitening, calculus, oral malodor), devices, questionnaires, and collection of biosamples for future analysis.
• Direct experience working with the American Dental Association (ADA) on ADA Seal applications, renewals, and associated clinical documentation for oral care products.
• Proven track record of leading and managing teams, including mentoring junior staff.
• Extensive experience collaborating internally and externally, with cross functional teams and academic or clinical partners.
• Internationally recognized leader in oral health research, with a strong scientific reputation and visibility in the global dental, oral, and craniofacial research community.
• Record of high impact scientific contributions and innovations, including: Peer reviewed publications, and/or Books or book chapters or invited reviews, and/or Patents related to oral care product innovation (e.g., inventor or co-inventor on multiple patents).
• Recognized by major professional organizations (e.g., IADR, AADOCR, ADA, FDI or equivalents) through awards, honors, or recognitions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex global clinical research programs from concept through completion.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills; able to connect scientific strategy with business needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting to scientific, clinical, regulatory, and business audiences.
• Ability to build and sustain high level relationships with KOLs, professional societies, and academic leaders worldwide.

Nice To Haves

• MS and/or PhD (preferred) in a relevant field (e.g., dental research, oral biology, clinical research, or a related discipline)

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of global clinical oral health studies, including large, complex, multi-center programs to support claims and public health initiatives.
• Provide oversight and leadership direction to internal clinical operations and Dental Health Units in LATAM, Europe and India.
• Provide strategic scientific guidance to support oral care product innovation, development of new clinical indications, claims development, and regulatory submissions.
• Explore novel clinical measurements (e.g., digital biomarkers, advanced imaging, or molecular diagnostics) to differentiate Colgate-Palmolive’s portfolio of oral health products and devices.
• Build and maintain high-value partnerships with global clinical research organizations (CROs), academic institutions, industrial partners, and tech innovators to expand clinical research capabilities.
• Maintain and enhance the organization’s scientific leadership and reputation in dental, oral, and craniofacial research.
• Ensure that all clinical research adheres to the highest standards of scientific rigor, ethics, quality, and compliance.
• Develop new clinical indices and biochemical assessments and apply a broad range of established dental assessment indices (e.g., caries, plaque, gingivitis, periodontology, sensitivity, whitening, calculus, oral malodor, anti-bacterial or others) to design, evaluate, and differentiate clinical programs and product performance that are superior to, existing products.
• Support innovation in oral care product development, by clinically validating the performance of new technologies and formulations.
• Contribute to Colgate’s intellectual property portfolio (e.g., patents, scientific disclosures) and support patent strategy in collaboration with Legal and other functions.
• Publish research findings in high impact, peer reviewed journals.
• Represent Colgate-Palmolive at major international dental and scientific meetings (e.g., IADR, AADOCR, ADA or FDI) and at academic institutions worldwide through invited lectures and keynote presentations.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Legal, Regulatory, Safety, Research and Development, and regional research centers to align clinical strategy with business objectives.
• Provide scientific and clinical input to support global and regional oral care business strategies, including programs for major markets including China.
• Build and maintain strong external collaborations with leading universities, dental schools, research institutes, professional organizations, and foundations globally.
• Work closely with the North America Division, U.S. Marketing teams, and the American Dental Association (ADA) to obtain ADA Seal endorsements for new oral care products and to maintain existing ADA Seals for current products (including the Colgate, Tom’s of Maine, and hello brands), thereby enhancing product differentiation and credibility through dental professional endorsement in the U.S. market.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of dental clinical researchers, fostering a high performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Oversee relationships with external collaborators, start-ups, clinical research and non-profit organizations, as well as industrial and academic partners.
• Serve on internal and external advisory boards, committees, or boards of trustees related to dentistry, oral health research and education.

Benefits

• Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
• medical
• dental
• vision
• basic life insurance
• paid parental leave
• disability coverage
• participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements
• a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree