Specialist PD & Research

Henkel; Maharashtra; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse growth opportunities

Global wellbeing programs

Parental leave 8 weeks

Employee Share Plan

Group Medical Insurance

Accident & life policies

OPD policy INR 30000

Job summary

Henkel is seeking a Specialist – PD & Research to lead adhesive formulation and lab research in a global setting. You will independently plan synthesis, manage projects, and deliver innovative solutions with a strong emphasis on quality and safety.

You will collaborate with international teams, document findings, and contribute to continuous improvement, while maintaining rigorous data records and compliance with SHE standards.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field required with at least 2 years industrial experience in adhesives.
• Strong background in formulation development and experimental design.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to manage projects end-to-end.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and carry out laboratory synthesis, adhesive formulations, and testing activities related to projects.
• Manage adhesive formulation projects across multiple technologies with full ownership, ensuring timely delivery.
• Maintain accurate records, formulation databases, and technical documentation; prepare project reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, technology groups, customers and stakeholders globally to meet milestones.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and knowledge sharing to drive improvement.
• Leverage data-driven approaches to improve project execution and knowledge management.
• Ensure compliance with SHE, Quality and 5S standards; support audits and supplier interactions.
• Identify CAPEX requirements and support procurement, installation, and commissioning of lab equipment.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Independent planning

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Polymer Science

Job description

About this Position

As a Specialist – PD & Research, you will drive adhesive formulation, product development, and laboratory research. You will manage projects independently, collaborate with global teams and customers, and develop innovative solutions while ensuring quality, safety, and timely project delivery.

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.