Sr. Heterogeneous Catalysis Lab Scientist (1414)

OVERVIEW:

As a specialist in their field, this position provides professional advice and assistance in the resolution of complex laboratory-related technical problems in the areas of chemistry; chemical, petroleum or civil engineering; industrial microbiology; or other applied industrial sciences associated with operational problems in Company facilities.

SCOPE:

Carries out investigative projects of significant scope with minimum supervision.  Projects are comprehensive and original.  Incumbent functions in laboratory units providing non-routine services: Advanced Instruments; Drilling and Production Services; Core Services; Central Corrosion and Chemical Evaluation, Geotechnical, or as assigned.  Normally reports to a unit supervisor, but may report directly to the Team Leader. 

The incumbent is able to work independently to take a research project and based on his/her experience in the field and with conceptualization/design, and computer tools, develop alternative methods of production for the product, new product development, etc. to determine the capital and operating costs and the resulting economics of the alternative production methods.  This information will permit assessments to assist in the direction of the R&D programs, Mergers & Acquisitions and the evaluation of processes for inward and outward licensing.  This position may be assisted by less experienced scientists.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Provides specialist advice and assistance in a specialized area of technology such as industrial, analytical or physical chemistry; microbiology; geotechnical or other specialized areas of civil engineering; petroleum or chemical engineering to improve the Company’s exploration production and processes.
• Undertakes original investigations relating to technical problems outside the scope of available literature.
• Keeps current with significant developments in the field of specialization.  Is expected to use these in high investigative assignments when applicable.
• Makes comprehensive professional reports of investigations.  Reviews existing patents.
• Maintains and updates his/her working knowledge of applicable state-of- the-art laboratory instrumentation.
• Provide and manage a safe, accident-free laboratory environment.  Follow all company safety rules in performing job duties.
• Lead collaborative research with other R&D areas of the company, e.g., analytical chemistry, process engineering, applications, etc. for increased intellectual property opportunities and future business advancement of ASC or Saudi Aramco.  Publish in relevant journals and present in conferences.
• Serves as a team leader or participates in major investigative projects as assigned.

Performs other miscellaneous related duties as requested.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. Degree in Science/Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Discipline as appropriate for the area of expertise for the assigned jobs.  PhD is highly preferred.
• Nine (9) year’s experience in a substantive industrial, technological or laboratory area relevant to the jobs assignment.
• Must be able to communicate and comprehend accurately, clearly and concisely in English at a level required to perform the job as outlined.
• Candidate should be comfortable in working independently or part of a project team, frequent project presentation and travel to meetings at conferences and universities.  Must possess good work habits, a strong work ethic, and be able to adhere to company work hours, policies, and standard business etiquette.
• Prefer candidate with experience/exposure to heterogeneous catalysis, zeolites, reaction engineering, catalytic testing, CO2 utilization, synthetic fuels, process design and modeling.

BUSINESS CONTACTS:

• Contacts as appropriate to his/her needs, all levels within Saudi Aramco and its subsidiaries and operating departments in discussions relating to specific technical problems.  In civil engineering applications, the incumbent has daily contacts with both Company engineering principals and with contractor engineers.
• Interact with industry and academia through society activities, Joint Industry Projects, partnerships, and consortia.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

• Operates standard office equipment, including but not limited to:  personal computers, calculators, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, etc.
• Reads and comprehends published, handwritten, and typewritten materials, company forms, and computer printouts.
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and database functions in the Windows environment. 
• Travels to meetings, seminars, and to vendor offices in Dhahran, Houston, and throughout North America
• The job requires the typical physical demands of a research center environment and is normally performed at an assigned global research center in Detroit-MI, Cambridge-MA or Houston-TX.  These GRC’s support research operations ranging from general laboratories to Pilot Plant and high hazard laboratories dealing with combustible gasses and liquids, hydrogen sulfide, high temperatures and high pressures.  The facilities will be ventilated and air-conditioned, well-lighted laboratory/office buildings that meets building, occupational health & safety and facility access codes.