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: Ph D (Chemistry/Materials/Chem Eng 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: 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. • Ph D 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: • 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 #Super Specialist #Construction Chemicals #Corrosion Protection #Nanotechnology #Admixtures #Cement Additives #Waterproofing #Protective Coatings #Materials Science #Hiring #Conchem Labs