Senior Manager - R&D

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead formulation and development of water-based polymeric emulsion binders (Acrylic, Styrene acrylic etc) and polyurethane dispersion (PUD), polymeric resins for coatings, packaging, construction, or other relevant industries.
2. Design and execute experiments to evaluate polymer compositions, raw materials, and process conditions.
3. Manage end-to-end R&D project lifecycle from concept to scale-up and commercialization.
4. Collaborate with production, quality, application, and marketing teams for product validation and customer trials.
5. Ensure regulatory, safety, and environmental compliance of developed products.
6. Maintain detailed project documentation, formulation records, and technical reports.
7. Interface with customers and suppliers for technical discussions and product support.
8. Identify new trends, technologies, and raw materials to enhance the product portfolio.
9. Provide technical mentorship to junior scientists and manage lab operations.
10. Monitor IP (patents, publications) in the domain and contribute to the company's innovation pipeline.

Target Products: Acrylic/Styrene acrylic, colloidal, specialty water-based emulsions for printing inks and packaging for paper, paperboard, craft paper, corrugation. High heat resistance, heat-seal emulsion for different substrates.

Skills Required

1. R&D Project Management
2. Emulsion Polymerization
3. Cross-functional Collaboration
4. Technical support/Problem Solving
5. Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving
6. Innovation & IP Awareness
7. Strong Communication & Technical Reporting

Technical/Functional Proficiency Required

• Emulsion Polymerization and PUD Techniques:

Expertise in batch, semi-batch, and continuous emulsion polymerization processes. In-depth knowledge of free radical polymerization, dispersion polymerization, and miniemulsion polymerization. Knowledge of comonomers to tailor polymer properties, including hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, Tg, and mechanical properties.

• Surfactants and Emulsifiers:

Proficiency in selecting and using surfactants, emulsifiers, and stabilizers for emulsion polymer systems. Understanding of the impact of surfactants on particle size, stability, and final polymer properties.

• Polymer Characterization:

Ability to use analytical tools for the characterization of polymer products: Particle size and distribution analysis using DLS or laser diffraction. Molecular weight distribution using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal stability using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. Surface and interfacial properties using techniques like contact angle measurement.

• Formulation Chemistry:

Experience with the formulation of emulsion polymers, PUD for specific applications such as adhesives, coatings, paints, textiles, or paper. Knowledge of additives (e.g., thickeners, coalescing agents, plasticizers) and their role in improving product performance.

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor's/ Masters degree in chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.

Experience Level (If applicable)

Minimum 10-15 years of experience in emulsion polymer, PUD synthesis preferably in water-based emulsion developments for printing ink and packaging application