Cheif Scientist

Pakka Limited; Bangalore Rural; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Pakka Ltd is seeking a visionary Head of R&D to drive the scientific roadmap for fibre-based and sustainable packaging solutions. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, guide material science strategy, and translate breakthroughs into scalable, cost-effective products that can replace plastics.

The role requires a PhD with 10–15 years of industrial R&D leadership in packaging or related materials, plus strong IP and collaboration experience with academia and tech partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related discipline with strong R&D background.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience in translating research into scalable packaging solutions.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the technical roadmap for barrier coatings, moulded fibre, and flexible packaging.
• Lead scientific priorities across cellulose, biomaterials, polymers and surface chemistry.
• Oversee lab-to-commercial scale prototyping and pilot validation.
• Establish rigorous experimental design, data quality and IP management.
• Mentor Lead Scientists and build collaborations with universities and industry.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Technical expertise

Lab to commercial scale

Innovation & research management

International collaboration

People leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Fibre/Polymer/Materials science

Job description

At Pakka Ltd, we are committed to sustainable innovation,creating eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with the needs of modernbusinesses. With over 40 years of manufacturing excellence and a strong R&Dfoundation, we have been revolutionizing in three major segments, namely Wrap& Carry, Food Services & Flexible Packaging. Join us to shape thefuture of packaging and make a meaningful impact.

Missionof the Role

Lead the scientific vision and technical roadmap to make fibre-based and other sustainable materials perform like conventional plasticpackaging at a commercially viable cost. Build a strong multidisciplinaryresearch team and translate scientific breakthroughs into scalable, safe andhigh-performing packaging solutions that replace plastic.

KeyResponsibilities

• 1. Own and execute the technical roadmap across barriercoatings, moulded fibre, flexible packaging and fibre/feedstock technologies,aligned with customer needs, sustainability goals and commercial viability.
• 2. Provide scientific leadership across cellulose and fibrescience, biomaterials, polymers, surface chemistry and material processing;guide research priorities, experimental approaches and technology selection.
• 3. Lead the development of plastic-free, PFAS-free barriersystems and high-performance packaging solutions addressing moisture, oxygen,grease, heat resistance, sealability and mechanical performance.
• 4. Oversee research programmes from laboratory formulationand prototyping through pilot validation, ensuring technical readiness,reproducibility, manufacturability and transfer to commercial scale.
• 5. Establish rigorous experimental design, materialcharacterization, testing protocols and scientific review processes to ensurereliable data, product performance and research quality.
• 6. Own the science-related intellectual property strategy,including invention identification, patent filings, technical documentation anddecisions on publication within Pakka’s agreed guardrails.
• 7. Hire, mentor and develop Lead Scientists, MaterialsScientists and other R&D specialists; establish clear research priorities,accountability, cross-functional collaboration and scientific capabilitybuilding.
• 8. Lead the open research agenda and build collaborationswith universities, research institutes, technology partners and startups toaccelerate breakthrough innovations and expand Pakka’s knowledge base.
• 9. Work closely with Customer Solutions, Proof andCommercialisation teams to convert customer briefs into prototypes, validatesolutions through pilot gates and address performance, regulatory and costrequirements.
• 10. Guide technical decisions on research methods,experiment selection, material platforms and resource allocation within theapproved science roadmap and mission guardrails.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Fibre Science, Polymer Science, Materials Science,Cellulose Chemistry, Barrier Materials, Chemical Engineering or a closelyrelated discipline with a strong research and development background.

Experience

• ScientificLeadership: 10–15 years of industrial R&D experience in fibre,polymers, coatings, packaging or related materials, with proven expertise inleading multidisciplinary research teams.
• TechnicalExpertise: Strong knowledge of cellulose science, biomaterials, polymerchemistry, barrier coatings, moulded fibre, flexible packaging and materialcharacterization.
• Lab toCommercial Scale: Proven experience in at least one successful lab-to-scalelaunch, including prototyping, pilot validation, industrial scale-up andcommercialization.
• Innovation& Research Management: Expertise in scientific strategy, experimentaldesign, research programmes, IP management, patent development and data-drivendecision-making.
• InternationalExposure & Collaboration: Experience working with global R&Dorganisations, research institutions and technology partners, includingparticipation in international conferences, exhibitions and scientific forums.
• PeopleLeadership & Collaboration: Ability to mentor scientists, managecross-functional research teams and translate scientific innovations intocommercially viable solutions.

SuccessMeasures

• Solutions passing the pilot gate: number ofscientifically validated solutions successfully progressing through pilot-stageapproval.
• Months from brief to prototype: time required totranslate an approved customer or research brief into a validated prototype.
• Patents filed: number of patent applicationsfiled arising from the Science circle’s research and innovation programmes.
• Technical performance and cost competitivenessof solutions progressing toward commercialisation.

WhatWe Offer

This role offers the opportunity to shape the scientificdirection of sustainable packaging innovation at Pakka, lead multidisciplinaryresearch programmes and develop solutions with measurable environmental andcommercial impact. You will work with collaborative teams and externaltechnology partners in an innovation-focused environment, with competitivecompensation and opportunities for professional growth.

Join us to shape the future of sustainable packaging!