Principal Microbiologist

About this Position At Henkel, you’ll be part of an organization that’s shaping the future through innovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trusted brands like Persil, ‘all, Loctite, Snuggle, and Schwarzkopf and our cutting-edge technologies, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore new paths and grow. This position is with our Consumer Brands business unit – where we empower our employees to bring the best Laundry & Home Care and Hair products to people around the world. Dare to learn new skills, advance in your career and make an impact at Henkel. We are seeking an experienced Principal Microbiologist to join our HBC R&D team and serve as a technical leader in microbiology across product categories. In this role, the individual will partner closely with Product Development and Supply Chain to ensure microbiological integrity of our products, defend product claims, and support informed decision-making while proactively mitigating microbiological risk.As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Microbiologist will provide leadership in preservation strategies, regulatory interpretation, and microbiological risk assessment. The individual will also play a key role in mentoring scientists, strengthening overall R&D microbiology capability, and representing the organization externally in industry forums.This role is responsible for overseeing R&D microbiological testing, advancing complex study design, and ensuring alignment with both regulatory expectations and manufacturing requirements.What youll doLead microbiological support across multiple Product Development teams, ensuring product preservation and antibacterial efficacy strategies are scientifically robust and fit-for-purpose. Oversee R&D microbiological testing, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations, product risk, and business needs. Design and oversee advanced microbiological studies (e.g., preservative efficacy, time kill, Healthcare Personnel Handwash) to support formula development and claims substantiation, including antibacterial claims. Provide expert interpretation of FDA monographs and global regulatory guidance, translating requirements into actionable development and testing strategies. Lead cross-functional partnerships with Quality, Hygiene, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to assess microbiological risk, support root cause investigations, and translate complex microbiological data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders. Mentor and develop junior scientists, elevating overall microbiology capability and ensuring knowledge transfer across the organization. Lead strategic technical initiatives, such as microbiology laboratory capability expansion. Represent the organization in external industry groups and serve as a recognized microbiology delegateWhat makes you a good fitBachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related biological science (advanced degree preferred).Extensive industry experience (10+ years) in microbiology, with demonstrated expertise in antibacterial product development, preservation, and regulatory compliance.Deep knowledge of FDA regulatory frameworks, including interpretation and application to product development and claims. Proven experience designing and leading complex microbiological studies and translating results into defensible business decisions. Strong understanding of manufacturing microbiology, hygiene systems, and microbiological risk management in production environments.Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and represent the organization externally. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex microbiological concepts into clear, persuasive messaging.Strong leadership, mentoring, and strategic thinking capabilities.Henkel’s R&D laboratories are expected to relocate to Trumbull in the second half of 2027. This position will relocate along with the team and will be based on-site at our Trumbull R&D Center once the transition is complete. Please note that relocation benefits will not be offered as part of this move.Some benefits of joining HenkelHealth Insurance: affordable plans for medical, dental, vision and wellbeing starting on day 1 Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and volunteer time, flexible & hybrid work policies (depending on role), and vacation buy / sell program Financial: 401k matching, employee share plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares, annual performance bonus, service awards and student loan reimbursement Family Support: 12-week gender neutral parental leave (up to 20 weeks for parents giving birth), fertility support, adoption & surrogacy reimbursement, discounted child and elderly care, and scholarships Career Growth: diverse national and international growth opportunities, access to thousands of skills development courses, and tuition reimbursementThe salary range for this role is $110,000-120,000.00. This range represents the good‑faith minimum and maximum wages the Company reasonably expects to offer for this role at the time of posting. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for incentive pay or other forms of compensation, as applicable. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package as described above. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate’s skills, experience, education, training, and work location. This posting is intended to comply with all applicable state and local pay transparency laws.Henkel does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Henkel property and therefore, Henkel will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral.At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.