Research Scientist

Job Description SummaryAs a Research Scientist in the Materials Science team at the GE Vernova Advanced Research Center in India, you will lead cutting-edge experimental investigations into structural materials and coatings that enable the energy transition. Working within a vibrant R&D environment, you will drive discovery-focused research in materials engineering and metallurgy, advancing materials development and characterization, repair innovations, and manufacturing technologies across energy applications. This role combines hands-on experimental leadership with responsibilities in proposal development, business needs assessment, characterization science, and laboratory growth initiatives. This role is suited for a researcher with deep expertise in experimental materials science, strong metallurgical knowledge, and demonstrated research impact. The successful candidate will combine rigorous scientific inquiry with strategic thinking, translating fundamental discoveries into practical materials solutions that accelerate next-generation energy systems. The Research Scientist will work at the intersection of discovery science, technology development, and business application—driving innovation while fostering a collaborative, high-impact research culture.Job Description

As a Research Scientist in the Materials Science team at the GE Vernova Advanced Research Center in India, you will lead cutting-edge experimental investigations into structural materials and coatings that enable the energy transition. Working within a vibrant R&D environment, you will drive discovery-focused research in materials engineering and metallurgy, advancing materials development and characterization, repair innovations, and manufacturing technologies across energy applications. This role combines hands-on experimental leadership with responsibilities in proposal development, business needs assessment, characterization science, and laboratory growth initiatives. This role is suited for a researcher with deep expertise in experimental materials science, strong metallurgical knowledge, and demonstrated research impact. The successful candidate will combine rigorous scientific inquiry with strategic thinking, translating fundamental discoveries into practical materials solutions that accelerate next-generation energy systems. The Research Scientist will work at the intersection of discovery science, technology development, and business application—driving innovation while fostering a collaborative, high-impact research culture.

Roles and Responsibilities

1.    Advanced Materials Characterization & Analysis

•    Lead comprehensive microstructural characterization campaigns using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and emerging analytical techniques

•    Design and execute systematic mechanical testing programs with emphasis on correlating microstructure-property relationships (physical, mechanical, functional etc.); as well as electrochemical degradation studies.

•    Conduct advanced failure analysis including fractography, root-cause investigations, and multi-modal characterization of degradation mechanisms

•    Establish characterization frameworks and best practices to enhance lab capabilities and ensure reproducibility across research programs

2.    Materials Performance & Degradation Science

•    Conduct systematic investigations of high-temperature degradation, oxidation, corrosion, and creep mechanisms in Fe-, Ni-, and Co-based superalloys, TBC and hard coatings.

•    Develop mechanistic understanding of material behavior under complex loading and environmental conditions

•    Design accelerated testing protocols to predict long-term material performance and service life

3.    Experimental Research & Development

•    Lead and design cutting-edge laboratory experiments in alloy development, heat treatment, electrochemistry and corrosion, and advanced materials processing

•    Conduct comprehensive materials processing investigations including casting, forging, additive manufacturing, surface treatments, and emerging processing techniques for structural materials

•    Perform in-depth metallurgical investigations to evaluate material performance under service conditions, including high-temperature and multi-stress environments.

•    Direct exploratory studies to understand fundamental material mechanisms and translate findings into engineering solutions

•    Develop novel experimental protocols and test methodologies to address complex material behavior questions

4.    Equipment & Process Engineering

•    Evaluate, select, and justify advanced characterization and processing equipment based on research needs and strategic priorities

•    Optimize and validate experimental protocols for newly acquired equipment

•    Develop standard operating procedures and best practices for materials testing and characterization techniques

•    Recommend process improvements and novel processing approaches to enhance materials properties and manufacturability

5.    Laboratory Growth & Infrastructure Development

•    Identify capability gaps and recommend investments in equipment, instrumentation, and infrastructure to support research expansion

•    Champion the development of new experimental capabilities that align with business strategy and competitive positioning

•    Contribute to facility planning, resource allocation, and research infrastructure optimization

6.    Failure Analysis & Industrial Problem-Solving

•    Lead root-cause investigations of material and component failures with comprehensive technical analysis and recommendations

•    Interface with design engineering and manufacturing teams to translate failure insights into design and process improvements

7.    Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement

•    Collaborate across global R&D teams, design engineers to deliver integrated materials solutions

•    Engage with external vendors, academic institutions, and industry partners on materials development, process validation, and technology advancement

•    Communicate research findings to both technical and business stakeholders, translating complex materials science into actionable insights

•    Support technology transfer and knowledge integration across the organization

8.    Documentation, Publications & Knowledge Leadership

•    Prepare and disseminate comprehensive technical reports and presentations documenting R&D outcomes and insights

•    Develop and maintain technical documentation, databases, and knowledge repositories to support organizational learning

9.    Research Strategy & Proposal Development

•    Participate in the conception, design, and development of novel experimental research proposals aligned with business objectives and emerging energy transition challenges

•    Translate business requirements and technical gaps into compelling research programs with clear technical objectives and deliverables

•    Develop fundable proposals for internal research programs, government funding opportunities, and collaborative research initiatives

•    Participate in development of research roadmaps that bridge fundamental materials science with practical application requirements in energy systems

Required Qualifications

•    PhD degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with at least 1 year of post PhD experience in a Research Environment. 

•    Research background with demonstrated expertise in experimental materials research, with emphasis on structural materials, alloys, or high-temperature applications, and electrochemistry.

•    Deep technical knowledge in physical metallurgy of steels, Ni- and Co-based superalloys; working knowledge of Ti, Al, and advanced alloy systems

•    Hands-on expertise with materials processing techniques including casting, forging, welding, brazing, heat treatment, and advanced manufacturing methods

•    Advanced characterization skills demonstrated through independent laboratory work with optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRD, mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, creep, fatigue), and fractographic analysis

•    Strong analytical capability in correlating microstructure with material properties and service performance

•    Solid understanding and background in additive manufacturing materials and processes relevant to energy applications

•    Experience with failure analysis including root-cause investigation of material and component failures

•    Demonstrated research leadership through publication record, research proposal development, or mentoring experience

•    Excellent technical communication skills including technical writing, presentations, and cross-disciplinary collaboration

•    Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new, unfamiliar technology areas and to abstract system level concepts

•    Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team environment as "ONE TEAM"

•    Demonstrated initiative, accountability and ownership of assigned tasks.

•    Curiosity and appreciation for role of inter-disciplinary technologies in the product development and the overall "Big Picture"

•    Research methodology expertise including experimental design, statistical analysis, and technical problem-solving

•    Exposure/ Experience of working with World-Class Research Groups in Industry/Academia

Desired Characteristics

•    Advanced expertise in nondestructive evaluation and inspection methodologies (ultrasonic, radiography, eddy current) with application to component assessment and standards development

•    Knowledge of advanced coatings and surface modification technologies, including thermal barrier coatings, protective coatings, and surface engineering

•    Experience with emerging characterization techniques such as in-situ testing, high-temperature microscopy, or advanced spectroscopic methods

•    Familiarity with materials modeling and computational approaches (CALPHAD, thermodynamic modeling, finite element analysis) and ability to integrate experimental data with modeling frameworks

•    Adaptability and innovation in experimental design and problem-solving approaches

•    Passion for the energy transition and commitment to developing materials technologies that enable sustainable energy systems

•    Understanding of Energy Transition Space and technologies/solutions to navigate the transition

•    Solid understanding of Technology Readiness Levels and Technical Competitive Assessment

•    Demonstrated Creativity and Problem Solving Abilities

•    Solid understanding of energy transition, decarbonization, fuel cells and storage

•    Passion towards Innovation, Emerging Technologies, IP Landscape, White Space identification and Patents

•    Solid understanding of industry standards development and external collaboration on materials characterization and qualification methodologies

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

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