Innospec Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Scientist for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery provides technical leadership for surfactant-based chemical EOR technologies, with responsibility for advancing formulation strategy, laboratory innovation, and application-focused problem solving. This hands-on role translates scientific insight into practical solutions that support product development, customer needs, and broader business objectives. The position partners closely with internal R&D, technology, and commercial teams while mentoring developing scientists and strengthening the organization’s technical capability in chemical EOR.

Essential Functions

• Lead the scientific direction and formulation strategy for surfactant-based chemical enhanced oil recovery technologies.
• Design, develop, and optimize new chemical EOR formulations through hands-on laboratory experimentation, performance testing, and technical analysis.
• Plan and oversee laboratory studies evaluating surfactant performance, formulation stability, phase behavior, compatibility, and application effectiveness.
• Interpret experimental results and translate findings into clear technical recommendations that guide product development, application troubleshooting, and next-stage research.
• Serve as an internal subject matter expert on surfactant chemistry, chemical EOR mechanisms, and formulation-performance relationships.
• Partner with R&D, technology, and commercial teams to address customer and application challenges with scientifically grounded solutions.
• Advance technologies from concept through development by generating technical evidence, identifying risks, and recommending practical paths forward.
• Mentor scientists and chemists by providing technical guidance, experimental insight, and scientific coaching.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures, patents, technical reports, and related documentation.
• Maintain awareness of relevant scientific literature, competitive technologies, and emerging developments in surfactant chemistry and chemical EOR.
• Expand technical influence and external engagement over time to support broader technology and business objectives.

Role Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related scientific discipline is preferred; candidates with a strong Master's degree background and directly relevant experience may also be considered.
• Post-doctoral research in chemical enhanced oil recovery is preferred but not required.
• Experienced scientist or chemist with a strong research foundation and demonstrated technical capability in surfactant systems, formulation science, or related applied chemistry.
• Strong knowledge of surfactant chemistry and chemical EOR concepts, including formulation design, interfacial behavior, and performance optimization.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in experimental design, formulation preparation, data analysis, and technical interpretation.
• Ability to solve complex scientific and application problems by connecting laboratory results to practical field or customer needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical findings to internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or support other scientists through technical collaboration, coaching, or informal leadership.
• Track record of scientific achievement demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations, or equivalent research output is preferred.
• Experience in specialty chemicals, energy applications, colloid and interface science, or oilfield chemistry is preferred.

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.