Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Surfactant and Colloid

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #176591 - Piscataway, New Jersey, 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.
 

Colgate-Palmolive invites applications from early-career PhD scientists for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (PDRS) position for a fixed two year term at our Global Technology Center in Piscataway, NJ. This role investigates the fundamental colloid science, surfactant self-assembly, and interfacial phenomena governing next-generation dentifrice formulations.  The researcher will lead core scientific investigations into substituting conventional alkyl sulfates with bio-based, mild surfactant platforms, focusing on taurates (such as sodium methyl cocoyl taurate) and acyl amino acid surfactants (glycinates, sarcosinates, and glutamates). Primary responsibilities include mapping multi-component phase spaces, thermodynamic interactions, and transport kinetics among these surfactants, therapeutic active agents (stannous, zinc, basic amino acids, and bioavailable fluoride systems), complex flavor oil emulsions, and mineral abrasive dispersions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Experimental Colloid Science & Phase Behavior: Design and execute experimental protocols to characterize the phase behavior, micro-emulsion structures, and self-assembly of taurate and amino acid-based surfactant systems for oral care applications.

• Active and Particulate Interaction Mapping: Investigate the thermodynamic, electrostatic, and chemical interactions occurring between taurate/amino acid surfactants and critical dentifrice components, including polyvalent therapeutic cations (Sn2+, Zn2+), basic amino acids, fluoride sources, and inorganic abrasives (hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, calcium pyrophosphate).

• Flavor Release Dynamics and Delivery Science: Build kinetic and thermodynamic models using the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Deviation (HLD) framework to characterize flavor oil solubilization, micro-emulsion phase boundaries, and dynamic headspace partitioning under simulated oral dilution conditions.

• Digital Formulation & Predictive Methodology: Advance corporate digitization and modeling initiatives by integrating experimental rheological, tensiometric, and phase data into predictive machine-learning and computational thermodynamic models to compress formulation design timelines.

• Cross-Functional Scientific Collaboration: Translate fundamental academic discoveries into actionable product design rules by collaborating across Early Research, Formulation Development, Analytical Sciences, Clinical Research, and Intellectual Property teams.

• Scientific Dissemination & Intellectual Property: Present research insights to internal R&D governance committees, author comprehensive internal technical reports, draft invention disclosures, and publish high-impact peer-reviewed manuscripts in premier international colloid and physical chemistry journals.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Colloid and Interface Science, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Soft Matter Physics, or a closely related STEM discipline.

• Technical experience in either of these:
  Deep fundamental knowledge of surfactant science, micellar phase equilibria, micro-emulsions, coacervation, and the physical chemistry of dispersed systems as well as ingredient interactions in such complex systems.

• Hands-on instrumentation mastery in either of these: surface tensiometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-potential analysis, and optical foam morphometry, rheology, and interfacial dilatational rheometry. Other techniques include electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and quantitative chromatography techniques (such as HPLC, headspace analysis) for monitoring flavor release and surfactant partitioning.

• Demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research, formulate novel hypotheses, resolve complex formulation puzzles, and thrive in an agile, cross-functional corporate laboratory.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Practical familiarity with surfactant applications in consumer products in oral care, personal care, or cosmetics.

• Documented history of collaborative research projects executed across academic-industrial boundaries.

• Outstanding verbal presentation and written technical communication skills, demonstrated by a strong record of peer-reviewed first-author publications in recognized colloid and interfacial science journals.

• Have a strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
  
  

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $90,000.00 - $96,000.00 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.

#LI-On-site