Research Scientist - Materials Science

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Advanced Materials Characterization & Analysis
• Lead comprehensive microstructural characterization campaigns using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and emerging analytical techniques
• Design and execute systematic mechanical testing programs with emphasis on correlating microstructure-property relationships (physical, mechanical, functional etc.); as well as electrochemical degradation studies.
• Conduct advanced failure analysis including fractography, root-cause investigations, and multi-modal characterization of degradation mechanisms
• Establish characterization frameworks and best practices to enhance lab capabilities and ensure reproducibility across research programs

2. Materials Performance & Degradation Science
• Conduct systematic investigations of high-temperature degradation, oxidation, corrosion, and creep mechanisms in Fe-, Ni-, and Co-based superalloys, TBC and hard coatings.
• Develop mechanistic understanding of material behavior under complex loading and environmental conditions
• Design accelerated testing protocols to predict long-term material performance and service life

3. Experimental Research & Development
• Lead and design cutting-edge laboratory experiments in alloy development, heat treatment, electrochemistry and corrosion, and advanced materials processing
• Conduct comprehensive materials processing investigations including casting, forging, additive manufacturing, surface treatments, and emerging processing techniques for structural materials
• Perform in-depth metallurgical investigations to evaluate material performance under service conditions, including high-temperature and multi-stress environments.
• Direct exploratory studies to understand fundamental material mechanisms and translate findings into engineering solutions
• Develop novel experimental protocols and test methodologies to address complex material behavior questions

4. Equipment & Process Engineering
• Evaluate, select, and justify advanced characterization and processing equipment based on research needs and strategic priorities
• Optimize and validate experimental protocols for newly acquired equipment
• Develop standard operating procedures and best practices for materials testing and characterization techniques
• Recommend process improvements and novel processing approaches to enhance materials properties and manufacturability

5. Laboratory Growth & Infrastructure Development
• Identify capability gaps and recommend investments in equipment, instrumentation, and infrastructure to support research expansion
• Champion the development of new experimental capabilities that align with business strategy and competitive positioning
• Contribute to facility planning, resource allocation, and research infrastructure optimization

6. Failure Analysis & Industrial Problem-Solving
• Lead root-cause investigations of material and component failures with comprehensive technical analysis and recommendations
• Interface with design engineering and manufacturing teams to translate failure insights into design and process improvements

7. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement
• Collaborate across global R&D teams, design engineers to deliver integrated materials solutions
• Engage with external vendors, academic institutions, and industry partners on materials development, process validation, and technology advancement
• Communicate research findings to both technical and business stakeholders, translating complex materials science into actionable insights
• Support technology transfer and knowledge integration across the organization

8. Documentation, Publications & Knowledge Leadership
• Prepare and disseminate comprehensive technical reports and presentations documenting R&D outcomes and insights
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, databases, and knowledge repositories to support organizational learning

9. Research Strategy & Proposal Development
• Participate in the conception, design, and development of novel experimental research proposals aligned with business objectives and emerging energy transition challenges
• Translate business requirements and technical gaps into compelling research programs with clear technical objectives and deliverables
• Develop fundable proposals for internal research programs, government funding opportunities, and collaborative research initiatives
• Participate in development of research roadmaps that bridge fundamental materials science with practical application requirements in energy systems

Required Qualifications
• PhD degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with at least 1 year of post PhD experience in a Research Environment.
• Research background with demonstrated expertise in experimental materials research, with emphasis on structural materials, alloys, or high-temperature applications, and electrochemistry.
• Deep technical knowledge in physical metallurgy of steels, Ni- and Co-based superalloys; working knowledge of Ti, Al, and advanced alloy systems
• Hands-on expertise with materials processing techniques including casting, forging, welding, brazing, heat treatment, and advanced manufacturing methods
• Advanced characterization skills demonstrated through independent laboratory work with optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRD, mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, creep, fatigue), and fractographic analysis
• Strong analytical capability in correlating microstructure with material properties and service performance
• Solid understanding and background in additive manufacturing materials and processes relevant to energy applications
• Experience with failure analysis including root-cause investigation of material and component failures
• Demonstrated research leadership through publication record, research proposal development, or mentoring experience
• Excellent technical communication skills including technical writing, presentations, and cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new, unfamiliar technology areas and to abstract system level concepts
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team environment as "ONE TEAM"
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Curiosity and appreciation for role of inter-disciplinary technologies in the product development and the overall "Big Picture"
• Research methodology expertise including experimental design, statistical analysis, and technical problem-solving
• Exposure/ Experience of working with World-Class Research Groups in Industry/Academia

Desired Characteristics
• Advanced expertise in nondestructive evaluation and inspection methodologies (ultrasonic, radiography, eddy current) with application to component assessment and standards development
• Knowledge of advanced coatings and surface modification technologies, including thermal barrier coatings, protective coatings, and surface engineering
• Experience with emerging characterization techniques such as in-situ testing, high-temperature microscopy, or advanced spectroscopic methods
• Familiarity with materials modeling and computational approaches (CALPHAD, thermodynamic modeling, finite element analysis) and ability to integrate experimental data with modeling frameworks
• Adaptability and innovation in experimental design and problem-solving approaches
• Passion for the energy transition and commitment to developing materials technologies that enable sustainable energy systems
• Understanding of Energy Transition Space and technologies/solutions to navigate the transition
• Solid understanding of Technology Readiness Levels and Technical Competitive Assessment
• Demonstrated Creativity and Problem Solving Abilities
• Solid understanding of energy transition, decarbonization, fuel cells and storage
• Passion towards Innovation, Emerging Technologies, IP Landscape, White Space identification and Patents
• Solid understanding of industry standards development and external collaboration on materials characterization and qualification methodologies

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

Client-provided location(s): Bangalore, India

Job ID: GE_Vernova-208885436

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-12-18T18:32:02