Job Description:
Designation: Manager-AI Scientist Materials Research
Job Location: Noida
Educational Requirements: Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
Graduate of an IIT or equivalent institution.
Roles & Responsibilities:
• Application of AI Technologies to Materials Development

Understand R&D challenges faced by R&D projects through discussions with project stakeholders and project team members.

Formulate solution concepts to address identified R&D challenges, and develop study plans, including implementation schedules, required to deliver the proposed solutions.

Present and propose solution concepts and study plans to clients, aligning expectations on objectives, deliverables, and timelines.

Apply machine learning and other digital technologies to develop innovative solutions for materials research and development challenges.

Analyze computational results, derive technical insights, and provide recommendations and solutions based on the findings.

Collaborate closely with R&D researchers and data scientists in Japan to develop advanced computational methodologies and deliver innovative materials solutions.

Prepare and submit progress reports at the frequency required by the supervisor.

Lead and manage team activities associated with the above responsibilities, including coaching, mentoring, and development of team members.

• Basic Research for AI Technology Advancement and Computational Efficiency

Develop and enhance automated workflows to improve the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of computational and data-driven research activities.

Evaluate emerging AI methodologies, scientific computing technologies, and advanced computing hardware (e.g., GPUs, HPC, and cloud computing platforms), and lead or support Proof-of-Concept (PoC) initiatives to assess their potential value for R&D applications.

Report PoC outcomes, recommendations, and implementation opportunities within the timelines agreed upon with the supervisor.

Collaborate with research teams in Japan on foundational technology development projects, including technology scouting, benchmarking, ideation workshops, proposal development, PoC execution, data analysis, and interpretation of results.

Contribute to the development of next-generation AI, scientific computing, and workflow automation technologies that accelerate materials innovation and research productivity.

Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations, and communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.

Prepare and submit progress reports at the frequency required by the supervisor.

Lead and manage team activities associated with the above responsibilities, including coaching, mentoring, and development of team members.

• Advanced Digital Technology Scouting and Open Innovation

Identify, evaluate, and engage leading external experts, advanced AI technologies, research institutions, startups, and innovation ecosystems that can help solve Kuraray's R&D challenges and accelerate innovation.

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with universities, research institutes, startups, and industry partners to establish a strong external innovation network.

Lead and coordinate collaborative research projects with external partners, including project planning, timeline management, stakeholder alignment, progress monitoring, and risk management.

Analyze research outcomes and communicate key findings, insights, and recommendations to internal stakeholders in a timely manner.

Collaborate closely with R&D teams in Japan to support technology scouting, ideation workshops, external partner engagement, project execution, and knowledge sharing.

Contribute to the identification and introduction of emerging digital technologies and innovative research approaches that enhance Kuraray's R&D capabilities.

Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project updates, and submit progress reports at the frequency required by the supervisor.

Lead and manage team activities associated with the above responsibilities, including coaching, mentoring, and development of team members