Lead Researcher - Desalination

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