Specialist PD & Research

Henkel; Mhalunge; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Employee Share Plan

Global wellbeing programs

Parental leave 8 weeks

Excellent coverage policies

Job summary

Henkel India is seeking a Specialist – PD & Research to drive adhesive formulation, product development, and lab research. You will manage projects independently, collaborate with global teams and customers, and deliver innovative solutions with quality, safety and timeliness.

You will plan synthesis and testing, maintain records, and lead cross-functional efforts across geographies while ensuring compliance with SHE and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of industrial experience in adhesive formulation and product development.
• Strong capabilities in formulation development, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform laboratory synthesis, adhesive formulations, and testing; analyze results and prepare data.
• Lead adhesive formulation projects across technologies with full ownership and timely delivery.
• Maintain accurate records, formulation databases, and technical documentation; draft project reports.
• Adopt a customer-centric approach with risk assessment and proactive delivery of value.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers globally to meet milestones.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and knowledge sharing for innovation.
• Leverage digital tools and data-driven methods to improve execution and knowledge management.
• Ensure SHE, quality, and 5S standards; prepare for audits and regulatory compliance.
• Identify CAPEX needs and assist procurement, installation, and commissioning of lab equipment.

Skills

Formulation development

Experimental design

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Project management

Stakeholder communication

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.