Functional Specialist

Aquaworks Private Limited

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

The candidate will be responsible for coordinating research activities between the MW Business Units and the MWRC – India. The preferred candidate will have proven leadership experience, but will be expected to build equipment, carry out experiments and enjoy working in the laboratory. The preferred candidate will have a background in research and development, and experience in writing and evaluating patents. The ideal candidate will work with Marmon Water worldwide technical teams to find and evaluate novel nano materials for water treatment. Travel up to and including 30% should be expected.
This person will report to the Director of the Marmon Water Indian Research Center. The Domain Expert, nano materials in water treatment technologies, will be working alongside other Domain Experts and is expected to generate innovative ideas and solutions for water treatment technologies. Semi-annual trips to international locations for collaboration both internal and external to Marmon Water will be expected.
As the Marmon Water Research Center – India is looking for innovative solutions, Marmon Water seeks out candidates who are willing to work highly evolving atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to build a research program and team to deliver innovative technologies to the water treatment market.

Marmon Water, Inc., a Marmon Holdings, Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Company, has established a research and innovation center at IIT-Madras ICCW Chennai, India.  Marmon Water is an international leader in water treatment technologies, systems and chemistries with manufacturing and product development centers located in the United States, India, China and Singapore.  The Marmon Water Research Center – India will be dedicated to working with all Marmon Water Business Units to develop innovative technologies that will be disruptive to our industry.

Marmon Water is seeking candidates for the position of Domain Expert/principle investigator, nano materials for water treatment to be a part of our innovative technology teams. The candidate should have a personal and professional interest in clean-water technologies with a background in water treatment and testing. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, nano technology or similar with a research emphasis on the design or evaluation of nano materials and water treatment technologies. Candidates not having this specific research background will be considered if they have worked in a technology development role in the nano materials and water treatment technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently should be able to research new/ novel water treatment technologies by employing novel materials.
• Lead research projects from concepts to commercialization with collaboration from various businesses teams
• Assess feasibility and viability of different novel materials
• In collaboration with the Business Unit Technical Teams, maintain and update a pertinent literature and patent library, periodically report on status
• In collaboration with the Business Unit Technical Teams, find, review and screen new technologies based on technical viability, potential IP position and ultimate cost to implement.
• Develop promising technologies to a proof-of-concept stage up to and including lab scale technology/process studies to prove/define process and viability
• Oversee novel materials/ nanomaterial synthesis, scale-up (pilot and commercial scale batches)
• Independently design experiments and interpret data
• Document and report on all efforts

The candidate will be expected to:

• Work with the business units to find, evaluate and develop new technologies based on novel materials/ nano materials from worldwide sources (universities, startups and other companies).
• Staff and develop a high-level team that can:
  • Design patentable solutions through the proof-of-concept stage for handoff to the business units’ technical teams. 
  • Technology-focus on water treatment solutions to improve water quality and consumer health. 
• The candidate will need to have a working knowledge of Intellectual Property processes both in India and the United States.
• Understanding user needs through the eyes of our business and marketing teams; solving problems with unique technology(ies).

Selection Criteria:

• Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Material Sciences, or closely related field.
    • Preference to: Candidates who have shown a background in the development of materials for water treatment applications
    • Materials Research /Organic Chemistry / Polymer Science/ nano materials

• 2/3 years minimum experience in a technology discovery/development role in water related field.
• Proficiency in materials characterization techniques
  • Including: ICP-MS, GPC, GC-MS, FTIR, SEM, TEM TGA, extractables, others

• Ability to lead projects and collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams
• Self-starting/motivated.
• Able to assess work, draw conclusions and move forward independently.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Physical Demands/Work Environment:
  • Work in a laboratory environment safely with chemicals/materials/apparatuses as needed to develop/demonstrate water treatment technologies/ nano materials research
  • Due to the nature of this position, the applicant could be exposed to hazardous substances.

• Leadership ability:
  • Proven track record of accomplishment leading research efforts and teams.
• Technical achievement:
  • Proven expertise in chosen discipline including patents and publications.
  • Has presented at international academic or industrial conferences in English.

Ideal Competencies:

• Results oriented leader.
• Hands-on leader who leads by example.
• Collaborative.
• Strategic Thinker.
• Mastery of US English.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Able to achieve results with limited resources.

Desirable personal and professional characteristics:

• Candid, ethical, integrity
• Empathetic
• Able to make tough decisions.

Travel: 

• International and regional travel required. 
• Travel 10-20%.

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.