Lead research and development activities in surfactants, specialty chemicals, emulsions, petroleum products, and hydrocarbons.
Develop new products through formulation development, chemical synthesis, laboratory experimentation, and process trials.
Design, conduct, and document laboratory experiments to develop new formulations and improve existing products.
Develop formulations for different industrial applications based on customer and market requirements.
Research and identify new applications and potential industries for existing company products.
Study product performance, technical requirements, market trends, and emerging technologies to identify new product development opportunities.
Optimize existing formulations to improve product performance, stability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Identify opportunities for raw material optimization and cost reduction without compromising product quality or performance.
Develop and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, consistency, scalability, and productivity.
Conduct laboratory trials and coordinate scale-up trials from laboratory to pilot and commercial production.
Troubleshoot formulation, process, quality, and performance-related issues and recommend effective solutions.
Evaluate raw materials, surfactants, emulsifiers, hydrocarbons, and other chemical ingredients for suitability and performance.
Establish appropriate laboratory testing methods and specifications for newly developed and existing products.
Maintain detailed records of formulations, experiments, test results, technical observations, and product development activities.
Prepare technical reports, formulation sheets, product specifications, test reports, and other R&D documentation.
Work closely with production, quality control, procurement, sales, and technical teams for successful commercialization of new products.
Provide technical support for customer trials, product evaluations, and application development.
Research and evaluate new technologies, processes, equipment, and methodologies that can improve the company’s R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
Lead the establishment and development of a new R&D laboratory, including laboratory setup, equipment requirements, testing capabilities, safety procedures, and working methodologies.
Recommend appropriate laboratory equipment, instruments, chemicals, and testing facilities required for R&D activities.
Establish safe laboratory practices and ensure compliance with applicable chemical handling and laboratory safety requirements.
Support intellectual property, technical documentation, and product development initiatives where applicable.
Stay updated with developments in surfactants, specialty chemicals, emulsions, petrochemicals, and related industries.
Contribute to building the company’s product portfolio through continuous innovation and development of commercially viable products.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Science, or a related field, preferably with specialization or experience in R&D.
Minimum 5 years of relevant R&D experience is compulsory, particularly in surfactants, specialty chemicals, emulsions, petrochemicals, or related chemical industries.
Proven experience in formulation development, chemical synthesis, laboratory experimentation, and product development.
Strong practical knowledge of surfactants, emulsifiers, specialty chemicals, petroleum products, and hydrocarbons.
Experience in developing and optimizing formulations for industrial applications.
Strong understanding of chemical reactions, formulation chemistry, raw material compatibility, and product performance.
Experience in laboratory testing, analytical techniques, product evaluation, and troubleshooting.
Experience in scaling up laboratory formulations to pilot or commercial production is preferred.
Experience in cost optimization, raw material substitution, and process improvement.
Knowledge of different industrial applications and the ability to identify potential uses for chemical products.
Experience in setting up or managing an R&D laboratory will be a strong advantage.
Knowledge of laboratory equipment, chemical safety, handling procedures, and testing methodologies.
Strong technical documentation and report-writing skills.
Good knowledge of MS Office and the ability to maintain organized experimental and technical records.
Ability to work independently and take ownership of product development projects from concept to commercialization.
Behavior
R&D Chemist – Behavioral Qualities
Highly innovative, curious, and research-oriented mindset.
Strong passion for developing new products, formulations, and chemical applications.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Practical and experiment-driven approach to research and development.
Ability to think creatively and explore alternative formulations, raw materials, and processes.
Strong attention to detail when conducting experiments and evaluating results.
Persistent and patient when working on complex formulation and product-development challenges.
Strong ownership and accountability for R&D projects and outcomes.
Commercially oriented approach with an understanding of cost, scalability, and market requirements.
Willingness to experiment, learn, test new technologies, and adopt new methodologies.
Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with production, QC, procurement, sales, and management teams.
Strong communication skills for presenting technical findings and recommendations.
Organized approach to maintaining laboratory records, formulations, test results, and technical documentation.
Strong commitment to laboratory safety, chemical handling procedures, and responsible experimentation.
Ability to manage multiple R&D projects and meet development timelines.
Proactive approach to identifying new product opportunities, applications, technologies, and process improvements.
Leadership mindset with the ability to establish and develop a new R&D laboratory and build effective R&D practices.
