R&D Chemist / Research Scientist – Aqueous Polyurethane

R&D Chemist / Research Scientist – Bio-Based Polyurethane / Polymer engineer / Regulatory Engineer / Q
Company: Kshetragna Agronym Private Limited
Brand: VANQORA™
Location: Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India
Employment type: Full-time | On-site
Experience: M.Tech / B.Tech Chemical Engineering, B.Sc / M.Sc. Chemistry / Polymer science, Ph.D in Polymers., Postdoctoral Researchers and candidates Freshers or with 2+ years of relevant experience
About VANQORA™
Kshetragna Agronym Private Limited is developing next-generation bio-based polyurethane technologies, waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs), renewable polyols and sustainable coating solutions under its flagship brand VANQORA™.
Our applications include leather, footwear, automotive, textiles, wood coatings and adhesives.
We are looking for motivated R&D Chemists and Research Scientists passionate about polymer chemistry, polyurethane technology, sustainable materials and industrial product development.
This is an opportunity to work across the complete R&D lifecycle, from laboratory synthesis and formulation development to pilot-scale validation and commercial production.
Key Responsibilities – What You'll Do
1. Polyurethane & PUD Development
Synthesise, develop and optimise bio-based waterborne polyurethane dispersions using the acetone process.
Develop and optimise anionic PUD formulations, including reaction parameters, dispersion stability and product performance.
Investigate formulation variables, reaction kinetics, molecular structure and structure–property relationships.
2. Bio-Polyol Development
Develop and evaluate bio-based polyol formulations using renewable feedstocks derived from non-edible oils and vegetable oils.
Characterise raw materials, intermediates and final products.
Support the development of renewable alternatives for conventional polyurethane systems.
3. Application-Specific Product Development
Design and optimise PUD formulations for leather, textile, footwear, wood coating and adhesive applications.
Evaluate coating performance, adhesion, flexibility, abrasion resistance, water resistance and chemical resistance.
Develop application-specific formulations based on customer requirements and industry performance standards.
4. Testing, Characterisation & Quality Control
Perform and interpret laboratory tests, including viscosity, pH, solids content, particle size distribution and dispersion stability.
Conduct film formation, adhesion, flexibility, abrasion, water resistance and corrosion testing, as applicable.
Use FTIR, DSC, TGA and particle size analysis to characterise polymers, intermediates and finished products.
Maintain laboratory records, SOPs, experiment logs, test reports and technical documentation.
5. Scale-Up & Pilot Plant Operations
Transfer laboratory formulations to pilot-scale reactors and support subsequent production scale-up.
Assist in process optimisation, reactor trials, batch reproducibility and troubleshooting.
Work closely with production, quality control and engineering teams to establish reliable manufacturing processes.
Required Qualifications & Skills – Must-Have
M.Sc. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Applied Chemistry or a related discipline; Ph.D. and postdoctoral candidates are encouraged to apply.
Strong fundamentals in polyurethane chemistry, polymer synthesis and reaction mechanisms.
Knowledge of waterborne polyurethane dispersion (PUD) technology and coating science.
Understanding of film formation, film characterisation and coating performance testing.
Familiarity with FTIR, DSC, TGA and particle size analysis.
Strong experimental, analytical, documentation and problem-solving skills.
Candidates with 2+ years of relevant industrial or research experience are encouraged to apply. Fresh M.Sc. graduates with strong fundamentals and a genuine interest in polymer R&D are also welcome.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience in bio-based polyols, renewable polymers or sustainable materials.
Practical knowledge of leather, textile, footwear, wood coatings or adhesive applications.
Experience with laboratory or pilot-scale reactor operations and process scale-up.
Research publications, a Ph.D. thesis or patents in polyurethane chemistry, polymer science or coatings.
Experience with technical data sheets, test reports and formulation optimisation.
What We Offer
Opportunity to work on innovative bio-based polyurethane technologies.
Hands-on exposure to laboratory synthesis, pilot plant trials and industrial scale-up.
An R&D-driven working environment with opportunities for technical growth.
The opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable specialty chemicals for Indian and international markets.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through LinkedIn or share their updated CV to md@kshetragna.co.in, research profile and relevant publications (if applicable).
Please mention the position applied for and your relevant experience in the application.
Location: Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Work arrangement
No