Research Scientist - Organic Chemistry for Water and Wastewater Treatment

Research Scientist - Organic Chemistry

We are looking for Organic Chemist for research and development initiatives focused on synthesis, formulation, characterization, and application of organic compounds for water and wastewater treatment. The candidate will design and evaluate organic reagents, adsorbents, and polymers used in coagulation, adsorption, and contaminant removal processes.  

A major emphasis of this role will be on analyzing and treating industrial wastewater containing a wide spectrum of organic and inorganic impurities. The candidate will be responsible for comprehensive fingerprinting of water streams, assessing their chemical composition in detail, and recommending or developing appropriate treatment strategies suited to the complexity of each effluent.  

The role calls for a chemist with a strong grasp of organic reaction mechanisms, material synthesis, and analytical techniques. The candidate will work on evaluating eco-friendly reagents, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, and surface-functionalized polymers tailored to treatment needs. This position bridges fundamental chemistry and applied engineering, demanding both creativity and scientific rigor to deliver deployable chemical innovations for L&T’s large-scale projects. The position also provides an opportunity to work closely with multiple separation technologies, including physical, physico-chemical, chemical, electrochemical, and microbiological processes. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Assess the complete composition of water and develop or recommend appropriate treatment solutions based on detailed chemical characterization. 

2. Work with a team of technologists and engineers to pilot and scale up solutions developed in the laboratory. 

3. Assess external technologies that are either at the early stage or matured stage and customise their application to suit the required standards 

4. Study structure-property relationships for adsorption and oxidation processes. 

5. Lead experiments involving organic pollutant degradation and by-product formation. 

6. Characterize compounds using NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, GC-MS, IC and LC-MS. 

7. Collaborate with process engineers to integrate new reagents into pilot systems. 

8. Publish findings in reputed journals and support patent filings for new formulations. 

9. Mentor junior chemists and guide analytical standardization for organic compounds. 

Qualifications 

• Education: PhD in Organic Chemistry. 

• Experience: Approximately 10 years, with strong exposure to environmental and industrial chemistry. 

• Deep understanding of synthesis methods, functional group chemistry, and adsorption mechanisms. 

• Publications: Minimum 5 research papers in high-impact chemistry or environmental journals; patents highly desirable. 

• Proficiency in analytical techniques (NMR, FTIR, GC-MS, LC-MS).