R&D Associate — Ayurvedic Formulation (2–3 Years)

Department: R&D · Formulation · Tech Transfer
Location: Palampur/Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (on-site)
Eligibility: B.Pharm / M.Pharm (Ayurveda) · 2–3 years’ relevant experience
Employment Type: Full-time

About Nesta Botanicals

Rooted in Himachal, we transform Himalayan, estate-grown botanicals into clean, compliant products for India and global markets (US, EU, Australia). Inside our AYUSH-licensed facility, we blend Ayurveda × modern chemistry, documented SOPs, and GMP discipline—so ideas become export-ready products that uplift our local ecosystem.

Role Purpose

Own end-to-end development for assigned projects: design robust formulations, run lab trials/DOE, validate stability, and deliver tech-transfer packs that scale smoothly to pilot and plant. You’ll be the hub between Formulation, QA/QC, Production, Packaging, and Supply Chain.

Key Responsibilities

Formulation & Method Development

  • Design emulsions, gels, oils, hydrosols, surfactant systems, and wellness lines with Ayurvedic actives/extracts.

  • Plan and execute DOE, optimize sensorials/rheology, and define critical process parameters (CPPs).

  • Write and maintain MPD, specs, and version-controlled lab notebooks.

Stability, Safety & Compliance

  • Create stability protocols (accelerated/real-time), execute pulls, trend data, and drive CAPA where needed.

  • Coordinate preservative strategy and basic micro-hygiene practices with QC/Micro.

  • Ensure alignment with AYUSH/BIS/GMP and internal quality gates.

Scale-Up & Tech Transfer

  • Translate lab formulas to pilot/plant with complete tech-transfer packs (BMR/BPR, SOPs, CPPs/CTQs).

  • Support first-time-right (FTR) batches, line trials, and packaging compatibility.

Documentation & Regulatory Support

  • Generate specifications/CoA templates, artworks/INCI inputs with Regulatory.

  • Log deviations, manage change controls, and close CAPA within SLAs.

  • Prepare audit data rooms; support internal/external audits.

Vendor & Cost Work

  • Evaluate new RMs/PMs, coordinate CoAs/technical dossiers, and lead cost-in-use/value engineering without sacrificing quality.

Mentoring & Collaboration

  • Guide freshers/Jr Associates on lab discipline, testing, and documentation.

  • Run weekly cross-functional huddles to unblock timelines.

Tools & Instruments You’ll Use/Interface With

pH meter, Brookfield viscometer, homogenizers, stability chambers, centrifuge tests, UV-Vis/colorimeter (where available), basic packaging tests; coordinate with QC for HPLC/GC/micro as required.

First 90 Days (Onboarding Plan)

  • Weeks 1–2: SOP/GMP refresh, project handovers, lab readiness, safety certifications.

  • Weeks 3–6: Formulation trials + DOE on 1–2 SKUs; draft specs & initial stability.

  • Weeks 7–12: Pilot scale-up, packaging compatibility, tech-transfer documents; prepare for first plant batch.

KPIs (Measured Quarterly)

  • FTR Pilot/Plant Batches: ≥95%

  • On-Time Project Delivery (OTP): ≥90% to agreed milestones

  • Stability Pass Rate: ≥95% at checkpoints

  • Documentation Accuracy: 100% complete/ALCOA+ compliant

  • Change Control Turnaround: within SLA

  • Cost/Value Engineering: ≥3 validated improvements per year (quality-neutral or better)

What You’ll Bring

  • Strong grasp of pharmaceutics/Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, emulsions/gel systems, and preservative approaches.

  • Habit of structured experimentation (DOE), clean documentation, and GMP mindset.

  • Comfortable on the shop floor; proactive, coach-like collaborator.

Nice to Have (Trainable)

  • Basic statistics for DOE/trend charts, Excel/Sheets templates, exposure to BIS/AYUSH dossiers, familiarity with claim-support literature.

Working Hours & Environment

  • On-site, standard factory hours; occasional support for pilot/plant runs.

  • PPE, hygiene protocols, and SOP discipline are mandatory.

Growth Path

R&D Associate → Senior R&D Associate / Tech Transfer Lead → Assistant Manager, Formulation & R&D → Manager

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive package with performance-linked component.

  • Training budget (GMP/Safety), documented growth paths, and access to Himalayan ingredient pilots.

  • Local accommodation guidance; employee purchase program on select products.

How to Apply

Email careers@nestabotanicals.com with subject “R&D Associate — Ayurvedic Formulation” and attach:

  1. CV (PDF), 2) A brief note (150–200 words) on yourself and 3) Earliest start date.
    Or apply via our Careers page form (CV + questions).