Principal Scientist

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number # Topeka, Kansas, United States

Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Are you a seasoned veterinary researcher ready to define the future of pet nutrition?
Hill's Pet Nutrition, a global leader in evidence-based pet health, is seeking a highly accomplished
Principal Scientist, Clinical Studies & Claims
to join our Science & Technology organization at our Pet Nutrition Innovation Center in Topeka, Kansas.

This pivotal role requires extensive qualifications in
veterinary medicine, veterinary nutrition, and clinical research
. You will be a key driver in elevating our commitment to exceptional product quality and earning the trust of veterinarians and pet parents worldwide. If you have a strong publication record, deep expertise in comparative and companion animal nutrition, and a passion for mentoring, this is your opportunity to significantly influence the future of pet nutrition.

What You'll Do:

In this high-impact role, you will be critical in advancing Hill's core business strategy centered on clinical nutrition excellence.

Scientific Leadership & People Development

• Play a pivotal role in mentoring and developing scientists, fostering a collaborative, innovative research environment, and nurturing the next generation of scientific talent.
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to timelines, efficient resource allocation, and accountability for high-quality deliverables.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Clinical Insight

• Develop and maintain strong, constructive relationships across Hill's research and development, regulatory, legal, and marketing teams.
• Provide essential nutrition input and guidance, leveraging your clinical research experience in companion animal case management and your deep understanding of companion animal physiology and pathology to inform and guide development efforts and nutritional solutions through clinical trials.
• Assist in the development of compelling, scientifically sound product claims.

Innovative Claims & Strategy

• Apply your profound nutrition expertise and innovative mindset to drive the development of groundbreaking nutrition claims relevant to pet owners, pet parents, and veterinary professionals.
• Ensure all Hill's products and claims align with our core nutrition philosophy, integrating scientific findings into clinical trial design and implementation, actionable product applications, global nutrition standards, and market-relevant claims.

Data Analysis & Compliance

• Apply your proficiency in data analysis methods relevant to clinical nutrition research to derive meaningful insights.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards related to pet nutrition, including FEDIAF and AAFCO regulations.

What You'll Need:

Minimum Requirements:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with a Ph.D. in a relevant animal nutrition studies or Credentialed Veterinary Nutrition Board Certification (e.g., DACVN, DECVA) with a foundational background in clinical trials, Companion Animal Nutrition, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in clinical research and publication, demonstrating a track record as a seasoned researcher and contributor to the field (this is not suitable for recent graduates or junior scientists).
• Proven experience in mentoring and developing scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis methods and the application of basic statistical analysis to research studies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specialization in companion animal nutrition during the Ph.D. or clinical internal medicine program.
• 5+ years of clinical practice experience in companion animal case management.
• Experience in navigating global regulatory standards related to companion animal nutrition.

Join us in our mission to help pets live their healthiest, happiest lives through the power of nutrition.
Compensation And Benefits
Salary Range $145, $175,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.