Specialist PD and Research

Henkel; Pune District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global growth opportunities

Health programs and wellbeing

Parental leave (8 weeks)

Employee share plan

Medical insurance

Life insurance

OPD policy

Job summary

Henkel is seeking a Specialist – PD & Research in Pune, India, to lead adhesive formulation, product development, and laboratory testing. You will independently manage projects, analyze data, and collaborate with global teams to drive innovative solutions within timelines.

The role emphasizes maintaining technical documentation, compliance with SHE, Quality, and 5S standards, and contributing to continuous improvement with strong data-driven approaches.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of industrial adhesive formulation/product development experience.
• Strong expertise in formulation development and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out laboratory synthesis and testing for adhesive formulations.
• Manage projects across technologies with ownership and timely delivery.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear project reports.
• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams to meet milestones.
• Lead audits and ensure compliance with SHE, Quality, and 5S standards.

Skills

Formulation development

Experimental design

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemistry/related field

Job description

About this Position

As a Specialist – PD & Research, you will be responsible for adhesive formulation, product development, laboratory testing, and technical research. You will independently manage projects, analyze data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and collaborate with global cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions within timelines.
The role also involves maintaining technical documentation and ensuring compliance with SHE, Quality, and 5S standards.

What you´ll do

• Independently plan and carry out laboratory synthesis/ adhesive formulations, and testing activities related to assigned projects, analyze results and provide data as in required formats.
• Manage adhesive formulation projects across multiple technologies and SBUs with full ownership, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of project objectives.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, formulation databases, and technical documentation, prepare clear and concise project reports.
• Adopt a strong customer-centric approach through proactive risk assessment, mitigation planning, and consistent delivery of high customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, technology groups, customers, and stakeholders across the globe to achieve project milestones within agreed timelines.
• Support technical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and knowledge sharing to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Leverage digital tools and data-driven approaches to improve project execution, productivity, and knowledge management.
• Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment (SHE), Quality, and 5S standards, fostering a safe and efficient laboratory environment.
• Lead, prepare and maintain documentation required for internal/external audits and regulatory compliance
  Identify CAPEX requirements and support procurement, installation, and commissioning of laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrate agility, accountability, and adaptability in responding to evolving business priorities and organizational needs in alignment with Henkel’s leadership commitments

What makes you a good fit

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related disciplines.
• Minimum 2 years of industrial experience in adhesive formulation, product development, and preferred testing.
• Strong technical expertise in formulation development, experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, manage, and execute projects through the project lifecycle.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical report writing and stakeholder management.
• Proven track record of developing innovative technologies or products, supported by commercial success, patents, or publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Some perks of joining Henkel

• Diverse national and international growth opportunities
• Global wellbeing standards with health and preventive care programs
• Gender-neutral parental leave for a minimum of 8 weeks
• Employee Share Plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares
• Best-in-class Group Medical Insurance policy covering employee, spouse and up to 2 children
• Competitive accident and term life policies for up to 3 times annual gross salary
• Progressive OPD policy of INR 30,000 for employee, spouse and up to 2 children

At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Become part of the team and bring your uniqueness to us! We look for a diverse team of individuals who possess different backgrounds, experiences, personalities and mindsets.