Lead Scientist - R&D, Laboratory and Plant Operations

Position Summary\nWe are seeking an experienced and technically strong Lead Scientist – R&D, Laboratory and Plant Operations to lead laboratory research activities, process development, manufacturing systems, SOP implementation, scale-up activities, and overall plant operations for our upcoming extraction facility.\nThe role requires a combination of scientific expertise, laboratory leadership, process development capability, and operational management to support the organization from setup stage through commercial operations.\nThis is a high-responsibility leadership role with long-term growth potential.\n\nKey Responsibilities\nLaboratory R&D Leadership\nLead and oversee all laboratory R&D activities related to extraction, formulation, analytical evaluation, and process improvement\nEstablish and manage laboratory systems, workflows, documentation, and testing protocols\nDesign and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and process optimization trials\nDevelop scalable and commercially viable processing methods\nLead experimental planning, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical reporting\nSupervise laboratory staff, analysts, and R&D personnel\nEstablish GLP-oriented laboratory practices and technical documentation systems\nCoordinate analytical evaluations, stability studies, and process validation activities\n\nR&D and Process Development\nLead development and optimization of extraction and processing technologies\nImprove process efficiency, product stability, and manufacturing economics\nSupport new product and technology development initiatives\nDevelop SOPs for lab operations, scale-up activities, and production processes\nDrive continuous improvement and innovation programs\nSupport technology transfer from lab scale to commercial manufacturing\n\nPlant Operations & Manufacturing\nOversee day-to-day plant operations and manufacturing activities\nEstablish and implement SOPs for production, process control, cleaning, maintenance, and documentation\nCoordinate commissioning, qualification, and startup activities for plant equipment and utilities\nEnsure smooth production planning, execution, and batch monitoring\nImplement process controls to ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiency\nMonitor production yield, process deviations, downtime, and corrective actions\nCoordinate with procurement, maintenance, QA/QC, and engineering teams\nSupport implementation of EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) systems and operational compliance\n\nQuality Systems & Compliance\nDevelop technical documentation, batch records, specifications, validation protocols, and laboratory records\nEnsure adherence to GMP, HACCP, ISO, GLP, and applicable regulatory requirements\nCoordinate with QA/QC teams for process validation and quality improvement\nSupport audits, documentation systems, and traceability programs\nEstablish monitoring and reporting systems for operations and quality\n\nLeadership & Strategic Responsibilities\nBuild and mentor laboratory, technical, production, and operational teams\nSupport management in plant expansion and technology roadmap planning\nEvaluate new technologies, process improvements, and operational innovations\nDrive coordination between R&D, production, engineering, and quality teams\nDevelop systems for scalable and sustainable manufacturing operations\n\nRequired Qualifications\nM.Tech / M.Pharm / MSc / PhD in:\nBiotechnology\nChemical Engineering\nFood Technology\nPharmaceutical Sciences\nOrganic Chemistry\n\nExperience Required\n5–10+ years of experience in Botanical/Herbal extraction\n\nCompensation & Benefits\nCTC: ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per annum\nAccommodation provided by company\nPerformance-based growth opportunities\nOpportunity to lead setup of a new R&D and manufacturing division