R&D Lab Chemist Construction & Building Materials

Job Description
JOB TITLE: R&D Lab Chemist - Construction & Building Materials
DEPARTMENT: Research & Development (R&D)
REPORTS TO: R&D Manager / Lead Scientist
Number of vacancies: 3 (Offroll)
JOB PURPOSE
Responsible for executing formulation trials, material characterization, performance testing, and analytical evaluation of new and existing construction chemical products - such as Cement, Readymix concrete, tile adhesives, dry-mix mortars, concrete admixtures, waterproofing chemicals and systems, adhesives and sealants - to drive product innovation and quality enhancement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulation & Lab Trials: Prepare lab-scale trials, mix formulations, and test prototypes for dry-mix products, liquid admixtures, surface coatings, and cementitious materials based on R&D guidelines.
• Chemical & Physical Characterization: Perform wet chemical analysis, solid/liquid ratio checks, setting time, compressive/tensile bond strength, slump retention, rheology, viscosity, density, and moisture retention tests according to relevant IS , BIS , EN, or ASTM standards.
• Raw Material Evaluation: Screen, evaluate, and bench-test alternative raw materials (fillers, polymers, additives, binders) for cost optimization, performance upgrade, or localized sourcing.
• Data Documentation & Benchmarking: Maintain meticulous lab notebooks, record experimental data, analyze test trends, and perform competitive product benchmarking to generate structured analytical reports.
• Equipment Calibration & Safety: Operate, calibrate, and maintain key analytical tools and testing equipment adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Nuvoco safety standard protocols.
• Quality Management System: Posses fair knowledge and experience in implementation of NABL, ISO 17025, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality systems requirements
• Cross-Functional Support: Provide sample support and analytical data to technical services, quality control, and pilot plant scaling teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Education :B.Sc. (Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry) OR Diploma in Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology from a recognized Indian university/board.

Experience :1 - 3 years of practical hands-on experience in an R&D or Product Development laboratory within construction chemicals, dry-mix mortars, cement, paints/coatings, or adhesives.

Technical Knowledge :Understanding of Cement and polymer chemistry basics, cement hydration, wet chemical testing techniques, and relevant IS/EN/ASTM testing standards.

Software Skills : Proficient in MS Excel (data logging and graph generation), Word, and PowerPoint for experiment reporting.

Soft Skills : Keen observation skills, curious and experimental mindset, structured record-keeping, and good technical communication skills.

Sample preparation : Skill in handling 10 - 15kg heavy cement, aggregate and concrete, cement mixing and casting, finishing, demolding, and curing concrete cylinders, cubes, and beams