Senior Chemist

The Senior Chemist develops and evaluates surfactant-based formulations for chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. This hands-on role plans and conducts laboratory experiments, analyzes results, and recommends formulation improvements within established project objectives. The position works closely with scientists, chemists, and technology teams to support product development and troubleshoot application challenges. The Senior Chemist independently manages assigned laboratory work, with guidance from technical leadership on broader research priorities and complex scientific issues.

Essential Functions

• Develop, prepare, and optimize surfactant-based chemical EOR formulations within established project objectives.
• Plan and conduct laboratory testing to evaluate formulation stability, phase behavior, compatibility, interfacial properties, and application performance.
• Analyze experimental results, identify trends, and recommend formulation improvements and additional testing.
• Troubleshoot formulation and testing issues, seeking input from technical leadership on complex or unfamiliar challenges.
• Collaborate with R&D, technology, and commercial teams to support product development and address customer application needs.
• Manage assigned laboratory activities and communicate progress, results, and technical challenges to project stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare technical reports summarizing methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Support improvements to laboratory methods and procedures to strengthen testing consistency and data quality.
• Provide practical guidance to less-experienced laboratory personnel on formulation preparation, testing methods, and established procedures.
• Review relevant technical literature and contribute experimental results and documentation to innovation and intellectual property activities as needed.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and company requirements for chemical handling, equipment use, and waste disposal.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required; master’s degree preferred.
• Relevant experience in applied chemistry, formulation development, or specialty chemicals sufficient to independently plan and execute laboratory projects.
• Working knowledge of surfactant chemistry, formulation stability, phase behavior, and interfacial properties.
• Experience with chemical EOR, oilfield chemicals, or related energy applications preferred.
• Hands-on experience in experimental design, formulation preparation, performance testing, and data analysis.
• Ability to interpret laboratory results, troubleshoot technical issues, and recommend practical next steps.
• Strong organization and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple assigned activities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain technical findings clearly.
• Ability to collaborate across technical teams and provide practical support to less-experienced laboratory personnel.

Environmental Restrictions

• Ability to perform essential job duties in both indoor and outdoor environments, including offices, facilities, and external job sites.
• Regular exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, moving equipment, and uneven terrain.
• Physical requirements may include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and operating tools or equipment as necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Regular attendance and adherence to company safety policies are required.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.