R&D Team Leader_API & Active Ingredient Synthesis

About Atomgrid

Atomgrid is on a mission to revolutionize the global specialty chemicals industry. We are creating a new-age, asset-light, R&D-driven brand that combines pioneering process innovation, market intelligence, and reliable contract manufacturing.

We operate across sectors like Agrochemicals, Surfactants & Emulsifiers, Flavours & Fragrances and Pharmaceuticals. Our growing team of scientists, technology engineers, and project managers are committed to delivering world-class solutions - on time, at the right price, and with unmatched quality.

We are founded by IIT & IIM alumni and backed by marquee VCs in India.

Position: R&D Team Leader API / Active Ingredient Synthesis

Location: Bengaluru, India (Bommasandra)

Job Overview

We're looking for an experienced R&D Team Leader API / Active Ingredient Synthesis to lead process research and development projects in our Agrochemicals business. The role involves managing a team of scientists while remaining hands-on at the bench, driving process development, optimization, validation, and scale-up from lab to pilot plant. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to developing cost-effective, safe, and commercially viable technologies for key agrochemical active ingredients.

Key Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 35 years of relevant experience, or M.Sc. in Chemistry with 1215 years of relevant experience in Agrochemical R&D, API synthesis, or process development.

• Strong experience in process development, optimization, validation, and scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant.

• Prior experience in the Agrochemical or Pharmaceutical API industry, with exposure to process research and development, technology transfer, and commercialization of specialty chemical or active ingredient molecules.

• Demonstrated expertise in developing cost-effective, scalable, and commercially viable manufacturing processes.

Skills and Responsibilities

• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of scientists while remaining hands-on in laboratory work and driving project execution.

• Strong expertise in process development, optimization, validation, and scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant for agrochemical active ingredients.

• Experience in technology transfer, cost-effective process development, and development of commercially viable, non-infringing manufacturing processes.

• Deep understanding of reaction mechanisms, process impurities, impurity profiling, and purification techniques including distillation, crystallization, and chromatography.

• Skilled in analytical interpretation using NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, and GC, along with literature search tools such as SciFinder and Reaxys.

• Hands-on experience in technical documentation, cost analysis, Route of Synthesis (ROS) evaluation, and preparation of development reports.

• Ability to work closely with manufacturing, analytical, procurement, EHS, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.

• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety practices, IP confidentiality, and organizational quality standards.

Why Join Us?

• A chance to join a well-funded, fast-growing company in its early stages, offering unparalleled growth opportunities

• Work in an environment driven by innovation, agility, and high-impact problem-solving

• Collaborate with a team of highly passionate individuals building a category-defining company

• Perfect for someone looking to start and build a long-term career while learning directly from experienced founders and operators