1

Catalyst Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science with 4+ years of heterogeneous catalyst R&D experience. MS with 8+ years of directly relevant industrial or national-lab experience also ...

The successful candidate will support Zhang's research lab on catalyst synthesis via various ... Took chemistry course CHM3 at LIU. LIU is an equal opportunity employer. LIU is committed to ...

R&D Chem Tech

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

... in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field * 1-3 years of laboratory experience (academic or industry) preferred * Familiarity with standard lab equipment and catalyst ...

At Real Chemistry, making the world a healthier place isn't just an aspiration-it's our everyday ... You thrive in dynamic environments and embrace change as a catalyst for innovation and growth.

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Catalyst Chemistry information

See salary details

$13

$22

$32

How much do catalyst chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for catalyst chemistry in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid chemist job?

In catalyst chemistry, senior roles such as research directors or principal scientists often have the highest salaries, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in process development, with salaries reaching six figures or more annually.

What is catalyst chemistry?

Catalyst chemistry is the branch of chemistry that focuses on the study and application of catalysts—substances that increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. This field explores how catalysts work, how they can be designed or improved, and their roles in industrial processes, environmental protection, and energy production. Catalyst chemistry is essential in developing efficient manufacturing processes for chemicals, fuels, and pharmaceuticals, and it plays a vital role in sustainable and green chemistry initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by chemists working in catalyst chemistry, and how can they be addressed?

Chemists in catalyst chemistry often encounter challenges such as optimizing catalyst performance, scaling up reactions from the lab to industrial settings, and ensuring reproducibility of results. These tasks require a strong understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of catalysis, as well as close collaboration with chemical engineers and process development teams. Addressing these challenges often involves staying current with the latest research, leveraging advanced analytical techniques, and participating in interdisciplinary problem-solving sessions to develop innovative and efficient catalytic processes.

What is the difference between Catalyst Chemistry vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectCatalyst ChemistryChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields; specialization in catalysis often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering; focus on process design and optimization
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, industrial laboratoriesManufacturing plants, process design facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing catalysts, research, and developmentDesigning chemical processes, plant operations, and process optimization

While Catalyst Chemistry focuses on developing and understanding catalysts at a molecular level, Chemical Engineering involves designing and managing chemical processes and plants. Both roles require strong chemistry knowledge, but Catalyst Chemists are more research-oriented, whereas Chemical Engineers focus on process implementation and scale-up.

Can chemists make 6 figures?

Catalyst chemists and other chemistry professionals can earn six-figure salaries, especially with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in industries like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, or research and development. Salary levels vary based on location, employer, and expertise, with senior roles and those requiring certifications often commanding higher pay.

What are the top 5 chemistry careers?

Catalyst chemists often pursue careers in research and development, working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and environmental science. Common roles include chemical researcher, process engineer, quality control analyst, laboratory manager, and regulatory affairs specialist. These careers typically require strong analytical skills, knowledge of chemical processes, and relevant degrees or certifications.

What does a catalyst do in chemistry?

A catalyst in chemistry is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. Catalyst chemists often work with reaction mechanisms, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols to develop and optimize catalytic processes for industrial applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catalyst Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catalyst Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry, particularly in catalysis, reaction mechanisms, and analytical techniques, usually supported by an advanced degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as gas chromatography, spectroscopy, and computational modeling software is essential, and certifications in lab safety or specialized analytical methods can be valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing efficient catalysts, ensuring accurate experimental results, and collaborating on innovative solutions in research and industry.
More about Catalyst Chemistry jobs
What cities are hiring for Catalyst Chemistry jobs? Cities with the most Catalyst Chemistry job openings:
What states have the most Catalyst Chemistry jobs? States with the most job openings for Catalyst Chemistry jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Catalyst Chemistry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Catalyst Chemistry jobs are:
Infographic showing various Catalyst Chemistry job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, and 41% Part Time. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,292 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Material & Catalyst Testing Technologist

Material & Catalyst Testing Technologist

ExxonMobil

Spring, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


ExxonMobil rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

About us

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living and a net-zero future. As one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies. 

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together.

About Houston

ExxonMobil's state-of-the-art campus north of Houston serves as home to its Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses and their associated service groups. The facility opened in 2014 and accommodates more than 10,000 employees and visitors.

By bringing many global functional groups together, the campus provides employees with the tools and capabilities needed today, and in the future, to achieve business objectives and accelerate the discovery of new resources, technologies and products. It was designed to foster improved collaboration, creativity and innovation and enhance the company’s ability to attract, develop and retain the top talent in the industry.

The campus is located in Spring, Texas, on 385 wooded acres immediately to the west of Interstate Highway 45 (I-45), at the intersection of I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road, approximately 25 miles from the cultural vibrancy of downtown Houston.

The campus was constructed to the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Its design incorporates extensive research into best practices in building and workplace design through extensive benchmarking of the world’s top academic, research, and corporate facilities.

Learn more about what we do in Houston here.

What role you will play in our team
  • Operate small reactor systems and benchtop lab process units to test materials, catalysts, and processes
  • Support research, development and optimization of processes and/or catalytic materials by operating lab-scale units which may operate at high temperature and high pressure, which includes catalyst loading, feed blending and preparation, and data analysis / workup
  • Strong adptitude for reactor and unit troubleshooting
  • Perform selected analytical testing
  • Manage equipment and sample inventory
  • Prioritize safe operation, identify potential safety issues and propose solutions
  • Ability to understand unit P&IDs process flow diagrams
  • Work directly with mulitple research investigators who drive experimental work direction
  • Good communication skills for understanding and describing scientific observations, experimental plans and results, equipment and material design concepts
About you

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Possess a B.S. science degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or related field
  • Familiarity with pressurized equipment, pumps, compressors, gauges and sensors, piping, computerized unit controls and interfaces, data acquisition and data processing
  • Hands-on experience in laboratory operations, such as operating batch and continuous laboratory reactors interfaced with Honeywell and/or LabVIEW control systems, titration, distillation, filtration, chromatography, extraction, and working in glove box
  • Hands-on experience with analytical equipment such as GC, MS, etc
  • Knowledge of scientific concepts, such as gas laws, chemical concentrations, mass and energy balances, chemical formulas and equations, as well as scientific calculations for chemical preparations and quantification of chemical components
  • Knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and the ability to use software for controlling laboratory hardware and scientific calculations
  • Effective in a team working environment, enjoys challenges and committed to lifelong learning
  • Strong familiarity with safe laboratory practices and handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals
  • Organized, punctual, and takes full responsibility for laboratory procedural compliance and maintenance of a safe working environment

Preferred Knowledge & Skills:

  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Familiarity with commonly used lab scale componentry
  • Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis and industrial applications
Your benefits

An ExxonMobil career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life.

We offer you: 

  • Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life. 

  • Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match. 

  • Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as “Flex your Day”, providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. 

  • Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing. 

  • Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you. 

  • Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.

  • More information on our Company’s benefits can be found at www.exxonmobilfamily.com

  • Please note benefits may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

Stay connected with us

Learn more at our Website
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe our channel at Youtube

ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

Alternate Location:  

Nothing herein is intended to override the corporate separateness of local entities. Working relationships discussed herein do not necessarily represent a reporting connection, but may reflect a functional guidance, stewardship, or service relationship. 

Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and terms like corporation, company, our, we and its are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific affiliates or affiliate groups. Abbreviated references describing global or regional operational organizations and global or regional business lines are also sometimes used for convenience and simplicity. Similarly, ExxonMobil has business relationships with thousands of customers, suppliers, governments, and others. For convenience and simplicity, words like venture, joint venture, partnership, co-venturer, and partner are used to indicate business relationships involving common activities and interests, and those words may not indicate precise legal relationships.


What ExxonMobil employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom