Research Laboratory Specialist

SLB; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Schlumberger Doll Research (SDR) in Cambridge, MA seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist to maintain advanced laboratory capabilities and support complex experimental programs. You will work with scientists and engineers to keep instruments reliable, install new systems, and help develop research setups addressing subsurface energy challenges.

A technical degree and 5+ years in lab environments are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level technical degree and at least 5 years in lab settings.
• Proven ability to operate, troubleshoot, and repair scientific instrumentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with fluid and control systems experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair laboratory instruments and systems.
• Support experiments involving rock, fluid, geomechanical, geochemical, and petrophysical testing.
• Install and upgrade laboratory instrumentation and custom setups.
• Lead preventive maintenance and coordinate vendor services.
• Maintain inventories and documentation; train users.

Skills

Laboratory expertise

Mechanical aptitude

Fluid systems

Fabrication & machining

Engineering drawings interpretation

Education

Technical degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

X-ray micro-CT

SEM/EDS

ICP

Profilometry

3D printing / laser cutting

Job description

We are seeking a Research Laboratory Specialist to join our multidisciplinary research team at Schlumberger Doll Research (SDR) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this role, you will play a critical part in enabling cutting‑edge research by maintaining advanced laboratory capabilities, supporting complex experimental programs, and helping researchers transform innovative ideas into reliable experimental systems.

Working closely with scientists and engineers, you will help ensure that SDR's laboratory facilities and instrumentation remain reliable, effective, and ready to support evolving research needs. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on technical professional with broad laboratory experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges in a dynamic research environment.

As SDR continues to expand its laboratory and experimental capabilities, you will support the deployment of new research systems, maintain sophisticated instrumentation, and help enable high‑impact scientific programs addressing subsurface energy challenges, including carbon storage, geothermal energy, well integrity, geomechanics, geochemistry, petrophysics, and fluid‑rock interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and repair a wide range of laboratory instruments and experimental systems.
• Support scientists and engineers in the preparation and execution of laboratory experiments involving rock, fluid, geomechanical, geochemical, and petrophysical testing.
• Install, commission, modify, and upgrade laboratory instrumentation and custom experimental setups.
• Maintain and support analytical and characterization equipment, including X-ray micro-CT, SEM/EDS, ICP, capillary electrophoresis, profilometry, pycnometry, and interfacial tension systems.
• Operate and maintain advanced experimental systems, including high-pressure/high-temperature reactors, flow-through systems, pumps, geomechanics equipment, and custom-built research apparatus.
• Operate and maintain laboratory sample preparation and fabrication equipment, including coring mills, saws, grinders, polishers, lathes, milling machines, 3D printers, and laser cutting systems.
• Fabricate, assemble, and modify mechanical components, fixtures, and laboratory hardware to support research activities.
• Lead preventive maintenance activities and coordinate equipment service and repairs with external vendors when needed.
• Manage laboratory supplies, consumables, spare parts, and equipment inventories.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, equipment documentation, and maintenance records.
• Train laboratory users on equipment operation and safe laboratory practices.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and participate in safety reviews and risk assessments.
• Collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, vendors, and academic partners to support multidisciplinary research program

Qualifications

• Technical degree in Engineering, Instrumentation, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline, with at least 5 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Proven experience operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with fluid systems, instrumentation, controls, sensors, pumps, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience using fabrication, machining, or workshop equipment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred

• Experience supporting high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) systems and geoscience, geochemistry, geomechanics, or materials science laboratories.
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, imaging systems, vacuum systems, and fluid-testing equipment.
• Experience supporting custom-built experimental systems and prototype development.
• Working knowledge of CAD, machining, fabrication, welding, or additive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, chemical handling, and environmental compliance practices

The compensation and benefits for this role are listed in compliance with applicable law. We are committed to offering fair and competitive pay aligned with each candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications, within the designated salary range for the role. Please note that the listed compensation and benefits apply only to successful candidates hired onto a local United States payroll. The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $64,240- $147,120. SLB offers a comprehensive total rewards package, which includes variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection programs, paid time off, and various training opportunities.

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