R&D Chemist

Monroe Consulting Group, an Executive Recruitment firm, is partnering with a leading organisation in the Industrial sector to hire an R&D Chemist. This opportunity is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Position Overview

This role supports pilot-scale R&D trials in edible oil refining and modification, delivering accurate chemical and instrumental analysis to underpin process development. It plays a direct part in advancing the organisation's innovation agenda across edible oils, fats, oleochemicals, biodiesel and renewable fuels.

Key Responsibilities

You will contribute directly to the organisation's technology development by generating accurate analytical data, supporting both pilot- and lab-scale process trials, and participating in innovation projects across edible oils, fats, oleochemicals, biodiesel, and renewable fuels.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assist to laboratory and pilot-scale trials in edible oil refining, modification and oleochemical processes.
• Participate in the preparation, execution, monitoring and reporting of R&D experiments.
• Conduct chemical and instrumental analysis with our state-of-the-art analytical equipment.
• Validate and apply official analytical methods in line with industry standards.
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance records, and laboratory documentation are kept up to date.
• Manage laboratory chemicals, consumables and inventory in compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Compliance

• Lead the implementation of laboratory safety protocols (chemical handling, waste management, PPE compliance, risk assessments).
• Ensure the analytical and sample preparation areas are fully compliant with HSE standards.
• Conduct periodic safety training and ensure safe operation of all analytical equipment.
• Work closely with process engineers, R&D engineers, group specialists and external partners (universities, institutes, customers).

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Prior experience in a laboratory or R&D environment, ideally within edible oils, fats, oleochemicals or a related process industry.
• Experience supporting or leading laboratory safety protocols and HSE compliance is advantageous.

Technical / Functional Expertise

• Strong hands-on skills in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting analytical equipment.
• Solid understanding of chemical analysis related to edible oils and fats (FFA, DOBI, peroxide value, fatty acid profile, moisture, stability, etc.).
• Ability to validate and apply official analytical methods in line with industry standards.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and chemical management, including calibration, maintenance records and documentation.
• Experience managing laboratory chemicals, consumables and inventory in compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.

Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies

• Accurate, detail-oriented and able to produce reliable analytical data under time constraints.
• Strong critical thinking and structured reporting skills.
• Ability to lead the implementation of safety protocols and conduct periodic safety training.
• Effective collaborator, able to work closely with process engineers, R&D engineers, group specialists and external partners such as universities, institutes and customers.