Lead Scientist - R&D, Laboratory and Plant Operations

Position Summary

We 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.

The 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.

This is a high-responsibility leadership role with long-term growth potential.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory R&D Leadership

• Lead and oversee all laboratory R&D activities related to extraction, formulation, analytical evaluation, and process improvement
• Establish and manage laboratory systems, workflows, documentation, and testing protocols
• Design and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and process optimization trials
• Develop scalable and commercially viable processing methods
• Lead experimental planning, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical reporting
• Supervise laboratory staff, analysts, and R&D personnel
• Establish GLP-oriented laboratory practices and technical documentation systems
• Coordinate analytical evaluations, stability studies, and process validation activities

R&D and Process Development

• Lead development and optimization of extraction and processing technologies
• Improve process efficiency, product stability, and manufacturing economics
• Support new product and technology development initiatives
• Develop SOPs for lab operations, scale-up activities, and production processes
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation programs
• Support technology transfer from lab scale to commercial manufacturing

Plant Operations & Manufacturing

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations and manufacturing activities
• Establish and implement SOPs for production, process control, cleaning, maintenance, and documentation
• Coordinate commissioning, qualification, and startup activities for plant equipment and utilities
• Ensure smooth production planning, execution, and batch monitoring
• Implement process controls to ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiency
• Monitor production yield, process deviations, downtime, and corrective actions
• Coordinate with procurement, maintenance, QA/QC, and engineering teams
• Support implementation of EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) systems and operational compliance

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Develop technical documentation, batch records, specifications, validation protocols, and laboratory records
• Ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, ISO, GLP, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with QA/QC teams for process validation and quality improvement
• Support audits, documentation systems, and traceability programs
• Establish monitoring and reporting systems for operations and quality

Leadership & Strategic Responsibilities

• Build and mentor laboratory, technical, production, and operational teams
• Support management in plant expansion and technology roadmap planning
• Evaluate new technologies, process improvements, and operational innovations
• Drive coordination between R&D, production, engineering, and quality teams
• Develop systems for scalable and sustainable manufacturing operations

Required Qualifications

• M.Tech / M.Pharm / MSc / PhD in:
• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Food Technology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Organic Chemistry

Experience Required

• 5–10+ years of experience in Botanical/Herbal extraction

Compensation & Benefits

• CTC: ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per annum
• Accommodation provided by company
• Performance-based growth opportunities
• Opportunity to lead setup of a new R&D and manufacturing division