Senior Research and Development Scientist

Company Description

Acelor Industries Private Limited is a forward-looking manufacturer of
specialty and performance chemicals
, providing global solutions across diverse sectors including
agrochemicals, road construction, oil field services, and home care
. Rebranded in 2024, Acelor is committed to offering high-performance formulations, eco-conscious innovation, and end-to-end technical support. We are seeking a highly accomplished PhD scientist to drive our next generation of sustainable and high-performance surfactant technologies.

Position Summary

We are looking for a
Senior Research Scientist
specializing in
Colloidal and Surface Science
to join our R&D team. The successful candidate will be a
subject matter expert
responsible for the independent design, formulation, and industrial scale-up of novel surfactant systems that enhance performance across our key business units. This role demands deep technical expertise, a strong focus on innovation, and the business acumen to translate complex science into commercial success.

Key Responsibilities and Expertise

The successful candidate will lead projects in the following core areas:

• Advanced Formulation Design:
  Design and optimize
  surfactant-based products
  (e.g., emulsions, microemulsions, foams, and micellar solutions) specifically tailored for demanding applications in
  enhanced oil recovery (EOR), road construction additives, and high-efficacy agrochemical formulations.
• Surfactant Chemistry Mastery:
  Apply a comprehensive understanding of all major surfactant classes (anionic, non-ionic, polymeric, bio-based) to select, synthesize, and modify chemistries for specific performance targets.
• Characterization and Testing:
  Utilize advanced physical chemistry and analytical techniques to rigorously characterize surfactant systems, including
  Surface/Interfacial Tension, Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) determination, and Rheology/viscosity measurements.
• Stability and Quality:
  Investigate and model the factors affecting the
  long-term stability and shelf life
  of formulations, establishing predictive testing protocols to ensure product quality and reliability.
• Process Scale-Up:
  Collaborate with manufacturing teams to successfully transition
  lab-scale formulations to robust, cost-effective manufacturing processes
  

  10 kg while maintaining performance specifications.

  
  

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  Ph.D. in
  Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Colloidal and Surface Science
  .
• Focus:
  Dissertation research must have a significant and demonstrated focus on the design, characterization, or industrial application of surfactants.
• Experience:
  Proven ability to manage and execute complex, independent research projects, evidenced by a strong record of
  peer-reviewed publications and/or patent applications
  .
• Technical Proficiency:
  Expert-level, hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation essential for colloidal science (e.g., Tensiometers, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) equipment, Rheometers).

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Innovation and IP Generation:
  A demonstrated history of
  generating novel technical concepts
  and a commitment to developing
  new, high-performing, and sustainable surfactant technologies
  that align with Acelor's eco-conscious goals.
• Project Management:
  Experience managing the
  full lifecycle of an R&D project
  , including objective setting, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Business Acumen & Regulatory Awareness:
  An understanding of
  cost of goods (COG)
  , raw material sourcing, and the
  regulatory landscape
  affecting specialty chemicals globally.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within
  multidisciplinary teams
  (R&D, Manufacturing, Sales) and articulate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Safety Commitment:
  Strong commitment to laboratory safety protocols and $\text{EHS}$ standards in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Why Join Acelor?

Be part of a growing, forward-looking company focused on high-performance solutions and environmental responsibility. You will have the opportunity to directly impact product lines across several critical industries.