Lead Scientist - R&D, Laboratory and Plant Operations

Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and technically strong Lead Scientist - R&D, Laboratory and Plant Operations to lead laboratory research activities, process development, manufacturing systems, SOP implementation, scale-up activities, and overall plant operations for our upcoming extraction facility.The role requires a combination of scientific expertise, laboratory leadership, process development capability, and operational management to support the organization from setup stage through commercial operations.This is a high-responsibility leadership role with long-term growth potential. Key ResponsibilitiesLaboratory R&D LeadershipLead and oversee all laboratory R&D activities related to extraction, formulation, analytical evaluation, and process improvementEstablish and manage laboratory systems, workflows, documentation, and testing protocolsDesign and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and process optimization trialsDevelop scalable and commercially viable processing methodsLead experimental planning, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical reportingSupervise laboratory staff, analysts, and R&D personnelEstablish GLP-oriented laboratory practices and technical documentation systemsCoordinate analytical evaluations, stability studies, and process validation activities

R&D and Process DevelopmentLead development and optimization of extraction and processing technologiesImprove process efficiency, product stability, and manufacturing economicsSupport new product and technology development initiativesDevelop SOPs for lab operations, scale-up activities, and production processesDrive continuous improvement and innovation programsSupport technology transfer from lab scale to commercial manufacturing

Plant Operations & ManufacturingOversee day-to-day plant operations and manufacturing activitiesEstablish and implement SOPs for production, process control, cleaning, maintenance, and documentationCoordinate commissioning, qualification, and startup activities for plant equipment and utilitiesEnsure smooth production planning, execution, and batch monitoringImplement process controls to ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiencyMonitor production yield, process deviations, downtime, and corrective actionsCoordinate with procurement, maintenance, QA/QC, and engineering teamsSupport implementation of EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) systems and operational compliance

Quality Systems & ComplianceDevelop technical documentation, batch records, specifications, validation protocols, and laboratory recordsEnsure adherence to GMP, HACCP, ISO, GLP, and applicable regulatory requirementsCoordinate with QA/QC teams for process validation and quality improvementSupport audits, documentation systems, and traceability programsEstablish monitoring and reporting systems for operations and quality

Leadership & Strategic ResponsibilitiesBuild and mentor laboratory, technical, production, and operational teamsSupport management in plant expansion and technology roadmap planningEvaluate new technologies, process improvements, and operational innovationsDrive coordination between R&D, production, engineering, and quality teamsDevelop systems for scalable and sustainable manufacturing operations

Required QualificationsM.Tech / M.Pharm / MSc / PhD in:BiotechnologyChemical EngineeringFood TechnologyPharmaceutical SciencesOrganic Chemistry

Experience Required5-10+ years of experience in Botanical/Herbal extraction

Compensation & BenefitsCTC: 5,00,000 to 10,00,000 per annumAccommodation provided by companyPerformance-based growth opportunitiesOpportunity to lead setup of a new R&D and manufacturing division