Lead Researcher - Chemical Engineering

We are looking for an accomplished R&D professional with a Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering to play a pivotal role as Lead R&D Engineer in advancing our water and wastewater treatment technologies. The candidate must possess an in-depth understanding of water and wastewater chemistry, including the complex interactions of various contaminants and treatment mechanisms. A comprehensive awareness of both conventional and emerging technologies in the water sector such as chemical, physical, physico-chemical, electrochemical, adsorption, thermal, and separation processes is essential.

This role requires expertise in analyzing and connecting laboratory-scale results to real-world applications, with a particular focus on scaling up processes from lab to pilot scale and eventual field deployment. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in transitioning research concepts into scalable solutions, addressing challenges that arise during scale-up, and optimizing processes for large-scale implementation. They will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers, providing insights into practical requirements, challenges, and enhancements needed for successful deployment of technologies being investigated.

Strong problem-solving skills, a research-driven mindset, and the ability to bridge scientific investigation with practical applications are crucial. The candidate will be expected to mentor team members, foster innovation, and drive projects that deliver impactful, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions in water and wastewater treatment.

Responsibilities

1. Problem-Solving Expertise:

The candidate must demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills with a proven track record of successfully deploying solutions from lab-scale to real-world field applications.

1. Fundamental Process Knowledge:

The candidate must possess a strong foundational understanding of at least two areas which include water and wastewater chemistry, physico-chemical processes, membrane-based separations, thermal systems, biological processes, and electrochemical processes.

1. Techno-Economic Analysis and Benchmarking:

The candidate should be proficient in evaluating the techno-economic feasibility of solutions and conducting comprehensive technology benchmarking to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

1. Process Intensification Expertise:

The candidate must have a deep understanding of process intensification techniques and innovative methodologies to reduce key parameters such as footprint, energy consumption, chemical usage, and to drive performance improvements.

1. Knowledge of Water Technologies:

The candidate should have a broad and up-to-date understanding of both existing and emerging water and wastewater technologies in the market, with an ability to evaluate and integrate them effectively.

• Education : PhD in Chemical engineering
• Experience: 5-10 years of experience in Industry
• Expectations: Fluent communication skills, excellent presentation skills, deep expertise in desal system design, operation and research, good leadership skills and analytical skills
• Publication: Candidate must have at least 5 publications in peer reviewed journals with high IFs. Patents as a lead or co-inventor or at least one chapter in a book as a lead or co-author will be considered as additional indicators
• Good to have: Programming skills, process monitoring skills, abilities to manage a team and exposure to statistical methods of data analysis, DoE, parameter estimation methods etc. Exposure to programming languages like Python, R, Matlab etc. considered to be valuable
• Posting: Water Technology Center, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu