Research Associate I

Birla Carbon; Maharashtra; On-site; INR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Birla Carbon in Maharashtra, India, is seeking a detail‑oriented analytical chemist to organize, perform, and analyze chemical/product analyses. You will develop methods, interpret data, and prepare formal reports in a collaborative corporate technology center at Taloja.

The role involves 3–5 years of lab experience, strong knowledge of analytical instruments, and the ability to work across multiple projects with shifting priorities while maintaining high data integrity and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of standard chemical laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of instruments common to chemical laboratories.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Attention to detail.
• Skill in written and verbal communications.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field with 3-5 years’ experience.
• Master’s degree in science or related field with 2 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory tests according to established procedures to support research projects.
• Method development: develop and recommend new or improved test procedures.
• Calibrations and PM: maintain, calibrate, and monitor instrumentation for best use.
• Report test results to support chemical analysis and analytical reporting; compile, analyze & interpret data; create tabular/graphical representations of data (LIMS).
• R&D project work: conduct independent and original investigative analyses.

Skills

Lab practices

Follow procedures

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Multicultural environment

Education

B.Sc. or related field

M.S. in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

LIMS

Analytical instruments

Calibration tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Purpose

Responsible for organizing, performing, and analyzing the results of chemical or product analysis, method development, applications and other directed and/or independent investigative testing. Responsible for interpretation of data and preparation and writing of associated formal reports.

Dimensions

• Financial: N/A
• Staffing: No direct reports
• Geographic: Global, but based in Taloja
• Volume: ~300 tests per month
• Customers: All customers
• Technology: Analytical Techniques/Materials Analysis/Colloidal process

Job Context & Major Challenges

Work in the corporate technology center as a part of a collaborative team. May be called on to work on various projects as they arise with shifting priorities and timelines. Requires flexibility and curiosity for new assignments as well as persistence and diligence in routine tasks.

To be successful in this role, the incumbent must be well organized, detail oriented, self‑motivated, and a team player.

To meet commitments and deadlines in face of high workload as follows:

• Perform laboratory testing following all safety rules and with a good safety attitude
• Maintain data integrity (equipment, methods, and reporting)
• Obtain and deliver sufficient communication and information
• Balance an academic attitude with business objectives
• Have high throughput while maintaining housekeeping
• Continuously improve and operate as a world class testing lab

Principal Accountabilities

Supporting Actions/ Tasks (Example: Coordinate with several units to ensure receipt of accounts statement)

Supporting Actions/ Tasks

• 45%: Perform laboratory tests according to established procedures to further research projects.
• 10%: Method Development: Develop and recommend new or improved test procedures.
• 20%: Calibrations and PM: Maintain, calibrate, and monitor performance of testing instrumentation for best use.
• 15%: Report test results to support chemical analysis and analytical reporting. Compile, analyze & interpret data, calculate results, report findings (LIMS). Create tabular and graphical representations of generated data (Report/Memo Writing).
• 10%: R&D Project Work: Conduct independent and original investigative analyses.

No direct reports for this position

Position Requirements

• Knowledge of standard chemical laboratory practices
• Knowledge of instruments common to chemical laboratories
• Ability to follow established procedures
• Ability to attend to fine details
• Skill in written and verbal communications
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

Bachelor’s degree in science or related field with 3 - 5 years’ experience or,

Master’s degree in science or related Field with 2 years of laboratory experience)

Experience in a laboratory environment.

Skills

Skill in sample preparation, testing, and analyzing technical data as well as writing technical reports

Training on Microsoft office or technical writing

Preferred: 2-3 years guided research experience in a laboratory setting.

Ability

Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and provide basic diagnosis and decision making

Experience assisting or having responsibility for instrumentation upkeep.

Required Licenses /Certification

None

Misc. Requirements

Ability to work in a chemical laboratory; handle solvents, carbon black, oils, nanomaterials.

Requires ability to wear personal protective equipment according to safety regulations and policy

Willing to travel and support plant QC laboratory approximately up to 10%, stand or sit for extended periods of time, willing to get dirty, present their self in a professional and courteous manner

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Analytical chemistry

Experience with analytical instrumentation, software, sample preparation, equipment repair, technical report writing and presentations.