Principal Scientist - BRD

Job ProfileResponsible for leading end-to-end operations of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), including R&D, production, procurement, and strategic development aligned with Dabur’s business needs. Ensures timely sapling production, raw material availability, and CSR project management. Oversees contract farming, nursery technology, cultivation innovation, value-chain development, and government liaison. Requires strong leadership across diverse sites and familiarity with environmental, forestry, and regulatory norms, elite species germplasm collection and multiplication of the motherland.InterfacesProduction/RM Supply/ Regulatory Compliances / ABS / Cost and budget management etc.Key DeliverablesPerformance is measured againstOversee MAP operations across nurseries, greenhouses, and out-grower sites. Manage sapling production and in-house MAPs as per business requirement. Supervise agronomy projects for quality raw material (RM). Ensure good agricultural and lab practices for high-quality RM. Ensure uninterrupted herbal RM supply. Maintain optimum capacity utilization and assess MAP sites/contract farming. Implement GHP, GFCPs, and QA protocols. Identify, source, and supply desired species and RM. Present monthly progress updates to HOD-BRD, DRDC, DIL.Research & Development (R&D): Develop and implement R&D strategies for MAP business growth in collaboration with BRD, DRDC. Conduct research to improve productivity, yield, and introduce new species. Identify research gaps and foster knowledge sharing across teams. Stay updated through participation in national/international scientific forums. Drive innovation in nursery, greenhouse, seed technology, and propagation methods.Training & Capacity Building:Provide technical training to teams, site staff, and farmers. Promote knowledge sharing and skill enhancement. Conduct sessions on nursery tech, propagation, harvesting, and post-harvest practices and cost management. Support entrepreneurship and strengthen value chains among farmer groups.Strategic & Business Development:Implement cost-reduction through new technologies. Drive business continuity and expand greenhouse operations via farmers and NGOs. Build strategic networks with communities, growers, government bodies, and agencies. Promote new methodologies and knowledge products within the business framework. Support expansion through partnerships, contract farming, and community projects and capita cultivation.Stakeholder Management & External Coordination:Liaise with government bodies, NGOs, INGOs, embassies, research institutions, and development agencies (NARC, CIMMAT), WWF, GIZ, ICIMOD, Indian embassies etc. and other bodies. Ensure compliance with plant quarantine, Forest Department, agroforestry, MAP cultivation, and environmental regulations to ensure smooth export and in-house supply of RM. Represent company interests in government meetings, conferences, and policy forums.Environmental & CSR Responsibilities:Support environmental initiatives as per DIL policies. Promote greenhouse-based sustainability interventions. Ensure execution of CSR activities within approved budgets. Skills & CapabilitiesStrong negotiation and interpersonal communication Ownership and accountability for delivery Team collaboration and leadership IT proficiency and analytical ability Excellent communication and presentation skillsEssential:Medicinal & Aromatic Plants: Cultivation, agroforestry, sustainable practices Nursery & Greenhouse Management: Operations, propagation, seed technology Contract Farming & Farmer Engagement: Relationship management, value-chain development R&D & Quality Assurance: Scientific methodology, GFCP/GHP, QA protocols Supply Chain & Post-Harvest: Raw material sourcing, post-harvest technologyDesirable:Visionary, entrepreneurial, and proactive mindset, strong analytical and problem-solving skills Innovative thinking and decision-making ability, Excellent communication and negotiation skills Team leadership with focus on capability building Collaborative and cross-functional coordination . Ownership and accountability for resultsEducational QualificationPh. D. in Botany / Agriculture / Horticulture / Biotechnology / MAPs Preferred / Additional:Specialization in Medicinal and Aromatic PlantsPrimary InteractionsInternal: CPPD, Factory Q.A, Factory Head, Finance, HR, DRDC, BRD, DILExternal: INGO, NGO, Government Officers, Ministry of Agriculture, State Governments, University, Department of Plant Resource, NMPB, NBA, SBBs, IUCN Line Department Government, Semi-Government etc.Work ExperienceMinimum 10 years of experience in R&D or MAPs/Agro-forestry domain and executions. Demonstrated experience in Captive and contractual cultivation, nursery and farm operations, state-of-the-art greenhouse / satellite nursery management, and post-harvest management, Good Agricultural Practices / ESG / DJSI / BRSR compliances / CSR projects