Job Description Summary

Job Description

As a Research Scientist in the Materials Science team at the GE Vernova Advanced Research Center in India you will lead cutting-edge experimental investigations into structural materials and coatings that enable the energy transition. Working within a vibrant R&D environment you will drive discovery-focused research in materials engineering and metallurgy advancing materials development and characterization repair innovations and manufacturing technologies across energy applications. This role combines hands-on experimental leadership with responsibilities in proposal development business needs assessment characterization science and laboratory growth initiatives. This role is suited for a researcher with deep expertise in experimental materials science strong metallurgical knowledge and demonstrated research impact. The successful candidate will combine rigorous scientific inquiry with strategic thinking translating fundamental discoveries into practical materials solutions that accelerate next-generation energy systems. The Research Scientist will work at the intersection of discovery science technology development and business applicationdriving innovation while fostering a collaborative high-impact research culture.

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