Lead Scientist

Knowledge of Polymers, Composites, Natural Fibres, Polymers in solution, chemical & physical modifications, processing, films, coatings and emulsions
Knowledge of Surface and interfacial properties, particle engineering, barrier properties (water & gas), diffusion, porosity, tortuosity, rheological properties
Well versed in chemical and material characterization techniques
Applications of coatings for barrier properties, new product development in sustainable packaging
Exposure to packaging machinery (VFFS and HFFS), Coating process (Gravure, offset gravure, film transfer, air knife)
Exposure to use of inorganics, organic bio polymers along with conventional polymers for packaging
Behavioural:
Good verbal & written communication along with ability to influence and work closely with other Scientists and Business stakeholders
Ability to assess and take risks, deal with ambiguity and come out with feasible solutions for impactful outcomes.

 

Principal Accountabilities:

 

Support in building future roadmap for sustainable materials & packaging platform
Proactively propose and drive new ideas that build on the latest trends in sustainable packaging and turn them into transformative packaging solutions
Scan science & technology, global innovation trends and changing regulations to build future R&D strategies and innovation pipeline
Be on top of published prior art (patents, research publications, competitor products, regulatory environment - in the areas of polymers, their modification, additives, extenders, bio-materials, coating technologies etc.) and build competitive intelligence - through reverse engineering of novel technologies in the market
Develop a project portfolio within the science areas over multiple time horizons
Collaborate with multiple businesses and ensure project delivery as per agreed milestones and metrics
Explore new collaborations, technologies and approaches and determine their applicability
Create IP protected innovations resulting in next generation of sustainable packaging
Identifying labs & research institutes who are leaders in the area of polymers, materials, interfacial science, coatings and collaborate to translate knowledge into new commercially viable products
Provide directions to the team on development of programs through insights
Determine resource requirements (internal and external) and plan for project costs
Ensuring capability building of the team in specific areas and monitoring / reviewing performance
Work in cross functional team to drive central projects for the R&D centre