Research Technologist

Company Description

Kearney is a global consulting partnership with a presence in more than 40 countries, renowned for its people-driven and collaborative approach. With a rich strategic operations heritage, we focus on creating impact by turning ambitious ideas into actionable realities. Our teams combine strategic insights with hands-on expertise to deliver tangible value, real results, and sustainable outcomes. At Kearney, we strive to build strong partnerships and foster meaningful change for our clients.

Role Overview

We are looking for aResearchtechnologist to strengthenPERLabsPersonal Care Product Innovation and Claims Science capability . The role combineshands-on product development, microbiology/biotechnology-based evaluations, consumer & clinical research , andclaims substantiation , supporting high-impact innovation programs across categories and brands.

This role is ideal foranindividualwho enjoyssolving real product problems , working acrossformulation, consumer insights, and performance science , and contributing tostrategic product differentiation .

What You Will Do

A successfulcandidatewouldbe requiredto network and coordinate studies with various external labs/CROs andanalysedata received and draw conclusions forproduct evaluation,developmentandclaims suitability.Candidateis required toalign andestablishprocesses, methods andfor product testing and consumer studies, Product evaluations through Consumer / Clinical research, andparticipatein the creation of novel and differentiated product claims and consumer demonstrations.

Product Innovation & Development

• Develop and evaluate Personal Care and Home Care product prototypes across cleansing,Skin,fragrance, and surface-care categories.
• Execute performance, sensorial, and consumer-relevant evaluations using validated lab, wet chemistry, and instrumental methods.
• Design and deliver product claims substantiation programsleveragingconsumer, clinical, and in-use research methodologies.
• Apply statistical rigour and data validation to ensure robustness, interpretability, and defensibility of results.
• Support pilot plant trials, batch manufacturing, and scale-up activities in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate external lab and CRO studies;analysedata and translate insights into clear claims and development recommendations.
• Maintain rigorous documentation, data integrity, and a competitive benchmark library to support innovation and capability building.

WhatWereLooking For

Education

• M.Sc. /M.Tech in Chemistry, Cosmetics, Biotechnology, or related disciplines
• Degree from a reputed university. An MBAwould be a plus, but not mandatory.

Experience

• 46 years of relevant experience inPersonal Care / FMCG / allied industries

Hands-on experience in:

• Product or formulation development
• Stability, performance, sensorial, consumer studiesand claims
• Pilot-scale or scale-up exposure
• Experience withmicrobiology and/or biotechnology-basedproduct and consumertesting for product efficacy.
• Familiarity withregulatory requirements forbeautyand cosmetics.

Technical Strengths

• Strong fundamentals inchemistry and process chemistry of personaland home careproducts.
• Knowledge ofsurfactants, oleochemicals, and raw material functionality .
• Above-average understanding ofskin and hair biology and efficacy evaluation methods.

Skills

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable working withMS Excel (data analysis, basic statistics) andPowerPoint (executive-ready presentations) .
• Clear,confidentwrittenand verbal communication.
• Self-driven, curious, and eager to continuously learn.
• Ability to work independently and incross-functional, multi-stakeholder environments .

Why Join PERLab

• Work onhigh-impact innovation programs with leading global brands.
• Operate at theintersection of science, product strategy, and consumer insight .
• Gain exposure beyond traditional R&D intodecision-making, claims strategy, and innovation transformation .
• Be part of ahigh-calibre, multidisciplinary team inside a global consulting firm.