Research Technologist

Location: Bengaluru

Company Description
Kearney is a global consulting partnership with a presence in more than 40 countries, renowned for its people-driven and collaborative approach. With a rich strategic operations heritage, we focus on creating impact by turning ambitious ideas into actionable realities. Our teams combine strategic insights with hands-on expertise to deliver tangible value, real results, and sustainable outcomes. At Kearney, we strive to build strong partnerships and foster meaningful change for our clients.

Role Overview
We are looking for a  Research technologist  to strengthen PERLab's  Personal Care Product Innovation and Claims Science capability . The role combines  hands-on product development, microbiology/biotechnology-based evaluations, consumer & clinical research , and  claims substantiation , supporting high-impact innovation programs across categories and brands.
This role is ideal for an individual who enjoys  solving real product problems , working across  formulation, consumer insights, and performance science , and contributing to  strategic product differentiation .

What You Will Do
A successful candidate would be required to network and coordinate studies with various external labs/CROs and analyse data received and draw conclusions for product evaluation, development and claims suitability. Candidate is required to align and establish processes, methods and for product testing and consumer studies, Product evaluations through Consumer / Clinical research, and participate in the creation of novel and differentiated product claims and consumer demonstrations.
Product Innovation & Development
Develop and evaluate Personal Care and Home Care product prototypes across cleansing, Skin, fragrance, and surface-care categories.
Execute performance, sensorial, and consumer-relevant evaluations using validated lab, wet chemistry, and instrumental methods.
Design and deliver product claims substantiation programs leveraging consumer, clinical, and in-use research methodologies.
Apply statistical rigour and data validation to ensure robustness, interpretability, and defensibility of results.
Support pilot plant trials, batch manufacturing, and scale-up activities in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Coordinate external lab and CRO studies; analyse data and translate insights into clear claims and development recommendations.
Maintain rigorous documentation, data integrity, and a competitive benchmark library to support innovation and capability building.

What We're Looking For
Education
M.Sc. / M.Tech  in Chemistry, Cosmetics, Biotechnology, or related disciplines
Degree from a reputed university. An MBA would be a plus, but not mandatory.
Experience
4–6 years  of relevant experience in  Personal Care / FMCG / allied industries
Hands-on experience in:
Product or formulation development
Stability, performance, sensorial, consumer studies and claims
Pilot-scale or scale-up exposure

Experience with  microbiology and/or biotechnology-based product and consumer testing  for product efficacy.
Familiarity with  regulatory requirements  for beauty and cosmetics.
Technical Strengths
Strong fundamentals in  chemistry and process chemistry  of personal and home care products.
Knowledge of  surfactants, oleochemicals, and raw material functionality .
Above-average understanding of  skin and hair biology  and efficacy evaluation methods.
Skills
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
Comfortable working with  MS Excel (data analysis, basic statistics)  and  PowerPoint (executive-ready presentations) .
Clear, confident written and verbal communication.
Self-driven, curious, and eager to continuously learn.
Ability to work independently and in  cross-functional, multi-stakeholder environments .

Why Join PERLab
Work on  high-impact innovation programs  with leading global brands.
Operate at the  intersection of science, product strategy, and consumer insight .
Gain exposure beyond traditional R&D into  decision-making, claims strategy, and innovation transformation .
Be part of a  high-calibre, multidisciplinary team  inside a global consulting firm.