Thermal Process Scientist

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Region

Job Number # - Castiglione delle Stiviere, Lombardia, Italy

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising 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.

Job Summary

The EU S&T group is responsible for adapting and geographically expanding innovative products across our premium wellness and therapeutic product portfolios. The senior thermal process scientist has expert knowledge of thermal processing requirements for low-acid foods packaged in sealed containers under 21 CFR 113.83. They will require working closely with formulation scientists, quality, regulatory, supply chain, procurement, packaging, external thermal process consultants, and internal and external manufacturing colleagues to ensure finished products achieve adequate thermal process treatment for shelf-stability. This role will be responsible for thermal processing of various packaging and product formats for both Europe and other global geographies.

Essential Job Functions

Lead the development, evaluation and implementation of thermal processes; knowledge and understanding of the appropriate design and methods of conducting studies relating to thermal processing of food, such as heat penetration, temperature and heat transfer distribution studies, thermal‑death‑time experiments, process validation and verification studies, and applying other scientific methods related to thermal processing.

Knowledge of the underlying principles, process calculations, analysis tools, and evaluation techniques related to thermal processing; ability to document process establishment methods and results, and communicate thermal process requirements and recommendations. Ability to investigate new processing and thermal cooking techniques and develop protocols for control.

Education

• BS in Food Science, Nutrition, Biological Sciences, Food Engineering or related field. Preferred MS or higher
• 5+ years of experience in low acid canned foods thermally processed in retorts
• Completed Better Process Control School complying with 21 CFR 128b

Experience

• Demonstrated understanding of formula development process and basic food science principles
• Possesses basic understanding in regulatory, food safety and quality requirements relevant to functional responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to design and run scientific experiments
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute projects
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills; ability to communicate and lead in a cross‑functional environment. Strong analytical, problem‑solving and conceptual skills

Key Competencies

• Product Design – Collaborates across functions and helps integrate all product features and dimensions of the consumer’s experience to drive a holistic product design with a specific focus on thermal processing and product safety.
• Executional Excellence – Understands the critical elements of the product delivery process and ensures its timely and cost effective execution.
• Technology Fundamentals – Uses technical expertise and creativity to proactively identify potential problems and address them using appropriate resources.

No visa sponsored

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, colour, 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.