2026 Product Design-Sensory & Analytical Co-Op

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #169204 - 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.

We are seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and driven Intern to join our Product Design Sensory & Analytical team. This team collaborates closely with cross-functional teams in Product Development and Packaging to gain insights into product composition, food / packaging interactions, and overall pet food product stability.

You will work in a laboratory setting, analyzing product stability through accelerated aging and ambient studies to determine optimal product design, shelf life, and packaging for our products. This role involves close collaboration with packaging and product development teams.

Your research will focus on food product stability, incorporating analytical and sensory components to enhance understanding. This work will contribute to building a product database, supporting effective decision-making regarding food product design that continues to delight both pets and pet parents.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities :

Coordinate and facilitate key laboratory activities.

Pull and submit samples for accelerated and ambient studies to understand product stability as food ages.

Prepare samples and packaging for sensory analysis and GC measurements.

Calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain, and operate all lab equipment.

Develop and refine analytical methods / SOP for processes (GC analysis).

Conduct a project research in the area of product stability.

Education / Experience :

Minimum qualification is a BSc in Food Science, Poultry Science, Chemistry, Animal Science Nutrition, or a related field.

Understanding of Food Science principles is desired.

Experience with gas or liquid chromatography and / or sensory science is a plus.

Expected Areas of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Ability to work independently and problem-solve.

Ability to manage multiple projects / tasks.

Effective communication skills (oral and written) and good record-keeping abilities.

Proficiency with Google productivity apps / Microsoft tools.

Opportunity to gain real-life understanding of product design.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $23.50 - $33.50 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 () .

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