R&D Associate, Microbiology

In this role, you will own the testing and decisions around substantiating antimicrobial claims for new projects, providing microbiological support for the development of new products in personal care and surface care categories. You will work within a team of global microbiologists, driving data generation, analysis, and recommendations related to antimicrobial performance. Your responsibilities include managing interactions with external labs, contributing to continuous improvement of lab procedures, and maintaining the microbiology lab according to global quality and safety guidelines. Your experience in FMCG or cleaning and hygiene product manufacturing industry, along with hands-on experience in conducting antimicrobial performance evaluations using global standards like EN, ASTM, and ISO, will be beneficial. Your hunger to learn, self-starter attitude, and effective communication skills will help you excel in this role. Key Responsibilities: - Supporting New Product Development teams in substantiating antimicrobial claims for new projects - Independently planning and conducting experiments to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of prototype formulations and finished products as per global and internal standard methods - Contributing towards continuous improvement of R&D laboratory procedures and best practices, recommending minor modifications to existing techniques, processes, systems, or programs - Maintaining lab records in compliance with Microbiology Laboratory and Global Quality standards - Liaising with external laboratories in a professional and productive manner to ensure timely delivery of results Qualifications Required: - Experience in FMCG or cleaning and hygiene product manufacturing industry - Hands-on experience in conducting antimicrobial performance evaluations using global standards like EN, ASTM, and ISO, preferably EN1276, EN1650, EN13697, etc. - Hunger to learn and self-starter attitude - Effective communication skills to interact with global team members The company vision for this role includes contributing to the continuous improvement of lab procedures and best practices, managing interactions with external labs and institutions, and working on innovation projects to unleash the potential of the R&D Microbiology team.,