Chevron: Research & Development Scientist

The Research Scientist conceives and directs independent research projects related to catalyst synthesis technology & testing with a focus on porous materials in the areas of hydroprocessing and energy transition areas such as hydrogen production and carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization. This includes interaction with business units through consultation and technical service.

Job Posting: https://chevron.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/jobs/job/Richmond-California-United-States-of-America/Research---Development-Scientist_R000042643

The Research Scientist conceives and directs independent research projects related to catalyst synthesis technology & testing with a focus on porous materials in the areas of hydroprocessing and energy transition areas such as hydrogen production and carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization. This includes interaction with business units through consultation and technical service.

The R&D Scientist position is in the Catalytic Materials Synthesis & Evaluation Team within the Catalysis, Separations and Reactor Science Department which is part of the Downstream Technology and Service function of Chevron's Technical Center (CTC). This position is located at Chevron’s Richmond Technology Center (RTC) in Richmond, CA.

Responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to:

  • Design, planning, and execution of R&D projects for the development of new materials with focus on porous structures, such a zeolites

  • Use of molecular modeling tools to find and target new structures and follow up with experimental plan to create structure/synthesis relationships

  • Close collaboration with testing labs on-site to analyze/characterize synthesized materials and test for catalytic activity

  • Management of Intellectual Property (IP) connected to new material discovery and communication of through outside publications and presentations at conferences

  • Work on scale-up of promising new materials

  • Assessment/Identification of material needs and gaps with definition of project opportunities and business cases for new material development

  • Communication of R&D work/results in reports and presentations to team/department

  • Responsibility for safe work practices and adherence to tenets of operation

  • Efficient work in multifunctional team environment and interaction with external collaborators

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or equivalent

  • 2 or more years experience in the field of catalytic materials synthesis, characterization, and testing

  • Strong background in the field of porous materials with focus on zeolites and extensive hands-on experience working in a wet lab

  • Strong background in molecular modelling with record of ability to connect modeling with experimental work

  • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in multi-cultural environment

  • Strong commitment to safety

  • Able to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in structure resolution, XRD analysis

  • Experience in catalytic testing, interpretation of catalytic test results and development of structure/activity relationships

  • Experience in use of machine learning / AI / data science for materials synthesis