Head of Research And Development

Head of R&D — Super Specialist (Pick One Track)

Tracks: Corrosion Science • Nanotechnology • Innovative Admixture Chemistry • Innovative Composite Cement Additives • Waterproofing Systems • Innovative Protective Coatings

Experience: 15–20 years • Education: PhD (Chemistry/Materials/ChemEng or related) • Reporting to: CEO • Location: India (Mumbai/Navi Mumbai preferred)

About Conchem Labs

Conchem Labs builds high-performance specialty chemicals for the built environment—corrosion inhibitors, nanotech-enabled coatings, innovative admixtures, cement/property enhancers, and waterproofing systems for concrete and steel. We convert hard problems into durable, cost-saving, time-saving products. Learn more: www.conchemlabs.com

Role Summary

Own the full idea → prototype → field validation → launch cycle and scale a culture where innovation is our DNA. You’ll lead one Super Specialist track while staying T-shaped across adjacent areas. You’ll own the R&D budget, build satellite labs across India, and run technical workshops & seminars on durability, corrosion, and waterproofing.

Choose Your Super-Specialist Track (own at least one)

• Corrosion Science (cement/steel/concrete)

• VPCI/amine/silane chemistries, inhibitors for rebars, galvanic/ICCP understanding

• EIS/EN ISO 16773, ASTM G59/G109, chloride ingress/carbonation testing; field trials on bridges, coastal infra

• Nanotechnology

• Nano-silica, CNT/graphene, nano-alumina/ceria; particle dispersion, interfaces, durability impacts

• Scale-up from lab to plant, HSE and rheology control, LCA-conscious formulations

• Innovative Admixture Chemistry

• PCEs, shrinkage-reducing, rheology modifiers, set controllers, crystal growth modifiers

• Cement compatibility matrices, robustness windows, mix-design integration for RMC/precast

• Innovative Composite Cement Additives

• SCMs (slag, fly ash, ultrafine pozzolans), LC3, alkali activation, performance enhancers

• Strength–durability–workability balance; CO₂ and clinker factor reduction at commercial scale

• Waterproofing Systems

• Crystalline, polymer-modified cementitious, PU/acrylic/SBR systems; negative/positive-side designs

• Crack-bridging, permeability, hydrostatic pressure resistance, accelerated aging and site QA/QC

• Innovative Protective Coatings

• Epoxy/PU/polysiloxane, zinc-rich, hybrid barrier systems for steel and concrete

• Adhesion, cathodic disbondment, salt fog/cyclic corrosion, thermal/humidity cycling, site applicator playbooks

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end R&D from concept to market; ship fast with clear TRLs and COA/COQ; transfer to manufacturing.

• Own & deploy the R&D budget; prioritize high-impact bets; set up satellite labs and field-trial cells across India.

• Build the team: attract fresh and senior talent; mentor; set a high hands-on bar; partner/vendor management.

• Academia & ecosystem: activate IITs/CSIR/CECRI ties; co-supervise research; pursue grants/IP and standards alignment.

• Customer impact: deliver market-first technologies that save cost/time or create unique advantages.

• Evangelize: run workshops/seminars on durability, corrosion, and waterproofing for clients/EPCs/owners.

Must-Haves

• 15–20 years in specialty chemicals for construction/infrastructure/coatings/cement/steel/concrete.

• PhD with proven original research and IP (patents/publications) and multiple lab-to-market launches.

• Depth as a Super Specialist in one track (above) with credible field deployments and standards/testing discipline.

• Team leadership, scale-up experience, strong industry network; ability to bring fresh talent and forge academic ties.

• Bias to action; lead by example at the bench and in the field.

Success in 12 Months (examples)

• 3–4 products launched/field-validated with unit economics.

• Satellite lab network operational with standardized SOPs.

• 2–3 strategic collaborations; ≥1 patent/application filed.

• Documented customer impact (lifecycle cost/time/durability gains).

How to Apply

Email your CV and a concise slide deck (10–12 slides) to:

• careers@conchemlabs.com

Your deck should include:

1. Your chosen Super Specialist track and why you’re the best in it.

2. Two market-first product ideas with chemistry, validation plan, and time-to-pilot.

3. A 90-day plan to assess the pipeline and ship quick wins.

4. Satellite lab blueprint (sites, equipment, staffing, capex/opex).

5. Partnerships you will activate in Year 1 (IITs/CSIR/CECRI/industry).

6. IP & standards/testing strategy (ASTM/IS/NACE/EN).

7. How you’ll attract and grow talent and drive idea → product in record time.

#R&DLeadership #SuperSpecialist #ConstructionChemicals #CorrosionProtection #Nanotechnology #Admixtures #CementAdditives #Waterproofing #ProtectiveCoatings #MaterialsScience #Hiring #ConchemLabs