R&D Team Leader – API / Active Ingredient Synthesis
ATOM Grid • Bengaluru, India
About the Company Atomgrid is building a new-age, asset-light, R&D-driven business to transform the global specialty chemicals industry through process innovation, market intelligence, and reliable contract manufacturing. We operate across Agrochemicals, Surfactants & Emulsifiers, Flavours & Fragrances, and Pharmaceuticals. Founded by IIT & IIM alumni and backed by marquee VCs in India. About the Role We are looking for an experienced R&D Team Leader to lead process research and development projects in our Agrochemicals business. The role involves managing and mentoring scientists while remaining hands-on in the laboratory, driving process development, optimization, validation, and scale-up from lab to pilot plant. The role offers an opportunity to develop cost-effective, safe, scalable, and commercially viable technologies for key agrochemical active ingredients. Key Responsibilities Lead and mentor a team of scientists while remaining hands-on with laboratory work. Drive project execution, process development, optimization, validation, and scale-up of agrochemical active ingredients. Manage projects from laboratory research through pilot-scale implementation. Develop cost-effective, scalable, and commercially viable manufacturing processes. Evaluate Routes of Synthesis (ROS) and support technology transfer and commercialization. Develop non-infringing manufacturing processes while maintaining technical and commercial feasibility. Understand reaction mechanisms, process impurities, impurity profiling, and purification techniques including distillation, crystallization, and chromatography. Interpret analytical data using NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, and GC. Use literature search tools such as SciFinder and Reaxys for research and process development. Prepare technical documentation, development reports, cost analyses, and ROS evaluations. Maintain accurate records of R&D activities and project progress. Work closely with manufacturing, analytical, procurement, EHS, and other cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution. Support technology transfer and smooth transition from R&D to manufacturing. Ensure compliance with laboratory safety practices, IP confidentiality, and organizational quality standards. Requirements Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 3–5 years of relevant experience, OR M.Sc. in Chemistry with 12–15 years of relevant experience in Agrochemical R&D, API synthesis, or process development. Strong experience in process development, optimization, validation, and scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant. Experience in Agrochemical or Pharmaceutical API industries, including process R&D, technology transfer, and commercialization of specialty chemical or active ingredient molecules. Demonstrated ability to develop cost-effective, scalable, and commercially viable manufacturing processes. Preferred Qualifications Experience in developing non-infringing manufacturing processes. Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, process impurities, and purification techniques. Proficiency in analytical techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, and GC. Familiarity with literature search tools like SciFinder and Reaxys. What We Offer Join a well-funded, fast-growing company at an early stage with significant growth opportunities. Work in an environment driven by innovation, agility, and high-impact problem-solving. Collaborate with passionate individuals building a category-defining specialty chemicals company. Build a long-term career while learning directly from experienced founders and operators. Location & Work Mode Location: Bengaluru, India (Bommasandra) Work Mode: Onsite
