Advanced R&D Engineer

Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional for the analytical lab in our global R&D center located at Pune. He/ she should lead the characterization and analysis of new materials and formulations in support of advanced product development and research initiatives. A Ph.D. or M.Sc./M. Tech. in Polymer Science or Engineering along with relevant experience is required. The ideal candidate will be the one with strong expertise in polymer rheology, along with hands-on experience in related analytical techniques and instrumentation. Responsibilities include designing and executing various characterization and testing methods, interpreting complex data, and generating comprehensive technical reports. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to provide critical insights that drive innovation, ensure material performance, and support decision-making throughout the R&D lifecycle.

Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse and interpret rheological data to understand viscoelastic properties, flow behaviour, and structure-property relationships and predict the behaviour of polymer formulations in different processing techniques.
• Integrate rheological findings with data from:
• Thermal techniques (DSC, TGA, DMA)
• Chromatographic methods (GPC)
• Spectroscopic techniques (FTIR)
• Develop structure-property relationships and provide insights for formulation development, process optimisation, and product performance.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with R&D and Processing teams to support innovation.
• Mentor and coach analytical engineers, fostering technical growth and capability development within the team.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in rheology and material characterization.
• Actively contribute to knowledge sharing through technical bulletins and Magazines, publications in journals,
• Participate in conferences and engage in internal expert group discussions to share insights.

Essential Functions

• Comfortable with troubleshooting, calibrating, and performing preventative maintenance on the above equipment.
• Skilled at maintaining detailed lab notes & records and providing reports with data interpretation to requestors.
• Ensure acceptable levels of housekeeping, 5S and safe work practices in the lab in accordance with Avient standards.
• Skilled at using Microsoft Office and AI based tools to support reporting and presentation.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and independence while effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Polymers or M.Sc./M.Tech. with relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience in rheological testing and interpretation.
• Proven ability to correlate multi-technique data for comprehensive material analysis.

Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge on the statistical tools like Minitab and Six Sigma methodologies.

Competencies

• The ideal candidate is an independent thinker and self-motivated to address technical challenges.
• Proficiency in leveraging AI tools to reporting, and research efficiency.
• Membership in the forums related to Polymers characterization and Analytical Sciences is highly valued.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to internal teams.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements and best practices.

Physical Demands
The demands of the position that on site Job 6 day's week must be met by an employee to successfully perform all essentials duties and responsibilities of the job.

• Requires standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time, talking, and listening.
• Expected to work, specifically in the shifts.
• Typical work is in an office environment where the noise level is low to moderate.