Water & Effluent Treatment (WET-IC) business of L&T Construction takes pride in offering complete water solution while quenching thirst and providing safe drinking water for millions of people. WET IC is the leader in building comprehensive infrastructure solutions including design, detailed engineering, procurement, project management and execution that cover - urban & rural water supply, - water treatment plants, - smart water management / Non-Revenue Water, - industrial water supply and treatment plants for recycling / re-use, - wastewater treatment and network, - sludge management, - lift irrigation projects, - desalination plants, - utility infrastructure for developing greenfield and brownfield smart cities A fiscally sound approach to projects, proven project management skills, regionwide operational presence and experience & expertise of over eight decades, have made L&T WET IC as the leader both in India and other parts of the world. L&T WET IC’s Water Technology Center (WTC) is the state-of-the art facility for cutting-edge research in Water industry at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The facility is equipped with R&D labs, digital center and knowledge hub. Sophisticated analytical labs, labs for system prototyping and a separate piloting facility uniquely positions WTC to undertake and solve critical research problems which are of concern to both society and industry. The facility is also equipped to get real-time data across the customer base to monitor and control customer’s assets online. The knowledge hub is a novel platform designed to promote seamless interaction between WTC and best of the academic and research institutions across the globe. With the vision of L&Ts leadership to spearhead the research, WTC is well equipped to connect, technovate and transform water practices. The JD below is for the position of Desalination expert focusing more specifically on membrane-based solution for seawater desalination. Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Lead - Desalination R&D to join our R&D team. The candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of the design and operation of desalination plants using Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes. The candidate should be well-versed in recent advancements in desalination technologies, including Forward Osmosis (FO), Closed Circuit Reverse Osmosis (CCRO), hybrid systems, and batch RO processes. A comprehensive understanding of the latest developments and improvements in membrane science is essential. The role requires a research-oriented mindset, capable of integrating emerging global innovations into in-house development projects. The candidate will contribute to cutting-edge R&D efforts to advance desalination technologies and processes, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in water treatment solutions. Responsibilities 1. Applied Research: • Undertake applied research in desalination to enhance specific energy consumption, overall process efficiency, and reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX). • Focus on advancing membrane technologies and exploring innovative desalination methods. Sensitivity: LNT Construction Internal Use 2. Simulation and Design: • Utilize advanced simulation and projection tools to design and optimize RO plants. • Conduct modeling to predict system performance under various operational scenarios. 3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, chemistry, and material science disciplines. • Facilitate the integration of diverse expertise to drive innovation and problem-solving. 4. Prototype Development and Scaling: • Lead the development of prototypes and laboratory test beds. • Oversee the scale-up of laboratory prototypes to pilot-scale operations and field applications. 5. Industry and Academic Engagement: • Collaborate with governmental agencies, start-ups, and research institutions to establish desalination standards and best practices. • Represent the organization in industry forums, technical committees, and collaborative research projects. 6. Industry Awareness: • Stay updated on industry trends, codes, regulations, and advancements in desalination technologies. 7. Mentorship and Team Development: • Mentor and guide young researchers to develop their expertise in membranes, desalination processes, and related technologies. • Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team. 8. Lab-to-Field Integration: • Bridge the gap between laboratory and pilot results and real-field applications to ensure scalability and performance consistency. 9. Techno-Economic Analysis: • Conduct techno-economic analyses and technology benchmarking to evaluate the feasibility and competitiveness of desalination solutions. 10. Water Chemistry and Pre-Treatment: • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of water chemistry, pre-treatment processes, and various pre-treatment modes critical for effective desalination system design. • Education: M.Tech / M.E in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering. Candidates with PhD shall be given preference. • Experience: 10 to 15 years of experience in Desalination Industry • Expectations: Fluent communication skills, excellent presentation skills, deep expertise in desal system design, operation and research, good leadership skills and analytical skills •Publication: Candidate must have at least 5 publications in peer reviewed journals with high IFs. Patents as a lead or co-inventor or at least one chapter in a book as a lead or co-author will be considered as additional indicators • Good to have: Programming skills, process monitoring skills, abilities to manage a team and exposure to trainings like fast-works, lean six-sigma, triz etc. • Posting: Water Technology Center, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Job Title
Opportunity: Lead - Desalination Research