Polymer Scientist

Select Water Solutions, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401K with company match

Referral bonus

Paid training

Job summary

Select Chemistry is seeking a Polymer Scientist to develop and optimize polymers for oilfield applications. This hands-on role focuses on polymer synthesis, emulsion polymerization, and water-soluble polymers, with collaboration across the Technology team to translate lab innovations into commercial products.

The position requires an MS or PhD in polymer-related field and 3+ years of industry experience, including pilot-scale translation.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years in industry with emulsion polymerization and water-soluble polymers.
• Experience with polymer characterization and analytical techniques.
• Experience translating lab results to pilot-scale or commercial manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize polymers and formulations for oilfield applications.
• Conduct laboratory-scale emulsion polymerization and water-soluble polymer synthesis.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate polymer performance and identify opportunities for product improvement.
• Troubleshoot polymerization, formulation, and product-performance issues using a structured, data-driven approach.
• Support scale-up from laboratory development through pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Work with Manufacturing and cross-functional teams to optimize production processes.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Emulsion polymerization

Pilot-scale manufacturing

Education

MS or PhD in Polymer Chemistry/related

Tools

Polymer characterization techniques

Job description

POLYMER SCIENTIST

Job Details

Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Business Unit: Chemistry

Reports to: Manager, Chemical Technology

Travel Requirement: No

Job Description

Select Chemistry’s Polymer Scientist supports the development, optimization, and commercialization of innovative polymer products for the oil and gas industry.

This is a hands-on, laboratory-focused role involving polymer synthesis, emulsion polymerization, water-soluble polymers, formulation development, product evaluation, and scale-up. The Polymer Scientist will work closely within the Technology team to solve technical challenges and translate laboratory innovations into commercial products.

The essential job functions include, but are not limited to

• Develop and optimize polymers and formulations for oilfield applications.
• Conduct laboratory-scale emulsion polymerization and water-soluble polymer synthesis.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate polymer performance and identify opportunities for product improvement.
• Troubleshoot polymerization, formulation, and product-performance issues using a structured, data-driven approach.
• Support scale-up from laboratory development through pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Work with Manufacturing and other cross-functional teams to optimize production processes and raw-material utilization.
• Analyze experimental data and communicate technical findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Support product trials, and field-related technical activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, experimental procedures, and technical documentation.
• Follow all applicable laboratory safety, process safety, and EHS requirements.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• MS or PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• More than 3 years of relevant industry experience, preferably involving: Emulsion polymerization, Water-soluble polymers, Polymer synthesis and characterization, Formulation development.
• Experience with polymer characterization and laboratory analytical techniques is highly desirable.
• Experience translating laboratory results into pilot-scale or commercial manufacturing is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and solution-driven skills, with a proactive approach to addressing technical challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Select Values and Guiding Principles

• W: Working Safe
• A: Accountability
• T: Teamwork
• E: Excellence
• R: Respect

Compensation Information

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Top Tier Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans.
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays.
• Retirement and Savings (401K) Plan with Company match.
• Referral bonus with no cap on amount of referrals.
• Paid Training.

Physical Demands and Exposures

• This position works inside a climate-controlled environment. The Company will supply adequate training and equipment to perform the functions of the job.
• Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm.
• Involves sitting at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Needs high degree of concentration in a busy area.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.