Analytical Research Scientist

Overview

We are seeking analytical research scientist to join the Catalyst Center of Excellence (CCoE) at Aramco’s Research & Development Center (R&DC) focusing on analytical method and process development.  The CCoE is responsible for developing innovative catalysts to convert oil and natural gas into higher value fuels and chemicals, in addition to sustainability catalysts which enable CO2 utilization, low-carbon fuels production, and a hydrogen economy.
The candidate will be involved in R&D research to develop novel heterogenous catalysts for refining/petrochemical processes and sustainability technologies, by working closely with team members and external collaborators. Candidate’s main tasks will be to: Develop state-of-the-art analytical methods for catalyst characterization and reaction monitoring (GC, HPLC, TGA, BET, XRD, etc). Oversee and manage the related equipment maintenance and inventory activities to ensure continuous and smooth operations and take part in designing, purchasing, installing, or fabricating new analytical equipment with a focus on heterogeneous catalysts characterization and reaction product analysis (ICPMS, XRD, XPS, etc). The candidate should be experienced in analytical method development and research laboratory practices.  
 

Key Responsibilities

Candidate will assess experimental workflow infrastructure adequacy and develop state-of-the-art workflows for catalytic experimentation, and deliver through experimental campaigns reliable operational and characterization data, in various reactor unit configurations.  The candidate will lead tasks including experimental planning, development/optimization of analytical techniques, maintaining/managing analytical equipment, data visualization, general planning of project/task, data interpretation and results and presentation; interacting with project scientists and technicians as well as management, project gate keepers.  Candidate will carry out the following core activities: 

Develop and deploy rapid online/offline analytical methods which will support high-throughput experimentation as appropriate to advance catalytic technologies screening and evaluation.
Continuously monitoring and improving established/existing analytical platforms and workflows to maximize reliability and efficiency.
Lead analytical workstream of an experimental campaigns that yield catalyst and process parameter optimization within a short time span for targeted applications. 
Responsible for timely progression of catalyst testing, characterization and evaluation tasks
Operate and interpret MS-spectra for GCMS equipment and work with other analytical methods/techniques.
Perform routine data analysis and visualization for use in presentations, publications, and internal reports.
Repair and Maintain Gas Chromatography and a multitude of analytical equipment (XRD, XRF, TGA, etc)
Utilize advanced and routine feed and product characterization tools/instruments to deliver experimental campaign outputs with mass balance closure
Perform statistical data analysis on catalyst performance results from high-throughput catalyst testing and leverage existing visualization software to manage/maintain a catalyst performance results database.  
Support lab activities and develop safe protocols which enhance the safety culture
Organizing team for specific project and task and leading internal and cross-functional project reviews
Contribute technically his/her expertise to other projects.
Contribute to R&DC’s catalyst development knowledge base. Present research results in internal seminars, technical reports or external publications. Generate patent applications to protect Aramco’s intellectual properties. 
Ensure scientific/technical challenges are resolved in a timely manner
Develop and maintain all appropriate/relevant laboratory records, analytical methods, author technical documents, protocols, and reports.
Contribute to a safe, efficient, and effective lab environment with high-degree of accountability.
 

Minimum Requirements

Bachelors degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent) is a minimum, and a Masters or PhD degree is preferred. The candidate should have 7 years of minimum relevant work experience in related fields to this job position.  Preferably, the candidate should have experience in High Throughput Testing Equipment for catalysis applications including myHTE software. The candidate should have experience in developing and improving online and offline analytical methods on gas chromatography (eg Agilent) for catalysis applications. Experience in statistical data analysis using JMP or other software is preferred. Analytical-specific certifications, Project Management Professional certification, Professional Engineer certification are preferred where available.