Lead Researcher - Desalination

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Lead - Desalination R&D to join our R&D team. The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of the design and operation of desalination plants using Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes. The candidate should be well-versed in recent advancements in desalination technologies, including Forward Osmosis (FO), Closed Circuit Reverse Osmosis (CCRO), hybrid systems, and batch RO processes. A comprehensive understanding of the latest developments and improvements in membrane science is essential. The role requires a research-oriented mindset, capable of integrating emerging global innovations into in-house development projects. The candidate will contribute to cutting-edge R&D efforts to advance desalination technologies and processes, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in water treatment solutions. Responsibilities Applied Research: Undertake applied research in desalination to enhance specific energy consumption, overall process efficiency, and reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX). Focus on advancing membrane technologies and exploring innovative desalination methods. Simulation and Design: Utilize advanced simulation and projection tools to design and optimize RO plants. Conduct modeling to predict system performance under various operational scenarios. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, chemistry, and material science disciplines. Facilitate the integration of diverse expertise to drive innovation and problem-solving. Prototype Development and Scaling: Lead the development of prototypes and laboratory test beds. Oversee the scale-up of laboratory prototypes to pilot-scale operations and field applications. Industry and Academic Engagement: Collaborate with governmental agencies, start-ups, and research institutions to establish desalination standards and best practices. Represent the organization in industry forums, technical committees, and collaborative research projects. Industry Awareness: Stay updated on industry trends, codes, regulations, and advancements in desalination technologies. Mentorship and Team Development: Mentor and guide young researchers to develop their expertise in membranes, desalination processes, and related technologies. Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team. Lab-to-Field Integration: Bridge the gap between laboratory and pilot results and real-field applications to ensure scalability and performance consistency. Techno-Economic Analysis: Conduct techno-economic analyses and technology benchmarking to evaluate the feasibility and competitiveness of desalination solutions. Water Chemistry and Pre-Treatment: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of water chemistry, pre-treatment processes, and various pre-treatment modes critical for effective desalination system design. Education: M.Tech / M.E in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering. Candidates with PhD shall be given preference. Experience: Min.10 years of experience in Desalination Industry Expectations: Fluent communication skills, excellent presentation skills, deep expertise in desal system design, operation and research, good leadership skills and analytical skills Publication: Candidate must have at least 5 publications in peer reviewed journals with high IFs. Patents as a lead or co-inventor or at least one chapter in a book as a lead or co-author will be considered as additional indicators Good to have: Programming skills, process monitoring skills, abilities to manage a team and exposure to trainings like fast-works, lean six-sigma, triz etc. Posting: Water Technology Center, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Show more Show less