Junior Research Associate - Consumer And Sensory Sciences

The JRA would be responsible for planning, coordinating and
executing product claims substantiation activities through methods and
techniques in Microbiology, Biotechnology and Consumer research across
different categories and brands within Personal Care R&D, basis defined
timelines.

The JRA would be required to network and coordinate studies
with various external labs/CROs and analyse data received and draw conclusions
for claims suitability. He/She is required to align and establish processes,
methods and bioassays for Microbiology / Biotechnology, Product evaluations
through Consumer / Clinical research and participate in the creation of novel
and differentiated product claims and consumer demonstrations.

Job responsibilities:

·       Assist in product evaluations and
claim substantiation through methods in wet lab research [Microbiology/
Cell -Culture/ Bioassays etc], Dry lab research, Consumer / Clinical research
etc. in defined timelines.

·       Actively engage with Stakeholders
[formulation teams, Brand teams] to understand the requirement and suggest
appropriate testing approaches, timely execution of the evaluations and communication
of result as per the set schedules  

·       Actively engage with Consumers to
draw insights on product performance and acceptance, Consumer behavior and
preferences.

·       Ensure documentation thoroughness
of all the assigned projects.

·       Work independently and in teams (within
team and with cross -functional teams) to enable timely decisions on assigned
projects.

·       Operate and maintain advanced
Instruments (instruments used for in vivo and in vitro product evaluations)

·       Participate in ideation and
troubleshooting activities within the group.

·       Learn and develop existing
processes in lab and documentation etc.

Requirements

Skills : 

·      Microbiology laboratory testing skills
e.g. aseptic and sterile techniques, optical microscopy, bacterial staining, culturing,
isolation, enumeration and identification, use of biological safety cabinets,
media and buffer preparation, diagnostic biochemical tests for microbes,
antimicrobial bioassays etc.).

·       Self -Initiator, Strong, Clear and
Open Communication Skills, Sound Analytical Mindset, Inclination to learn and
operate advanced instruments and research methodology employed in product
efficacy assessments. Networking skills to coordinate studies
with various external labs / CROs and analyse data received and draw
conclusions for product claims suitability.

·       Biotechnology
skills like Human/Animal Cell culture, cryo -preservation, MTT Assay, cell
lysate preparation, RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA and qPCR etc.

·       Instrument
and Lab maintenance with experience on audits in core domain and ISO 14001,
17025 etc.

·       Networking
abilities, ability to connect with people and openly communicate

•   MS Excel, MS Word, MS -Powerpoint,
  Basic Statistics tools.
  
• Fair understanding on Personal
  Care and Home Care products and Market 
  
• An
  above average understanding of Skin and Hair Biology and basic methods in
  evaluating product efficacies in Personal Care and Home Care domain.