Research Scientist, Energy Innovation

Schlumberger Limited; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Schlumberger Limited in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Research Scientist to join the Process Technology Innovation team at SDR. You will develop technologies to improve energy efficiency and support sustainable energy transitions.

Candidates should have a PhD or MS with strong fundamentals, experience solving complex problems, and ability to work across disciplines. The role involves experiments, modeling, data analysis, and collaboration with engineering and business development.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with significant research experience in chemical, process, or mechanical engineering, physical sciences, chemistry, applied mathematics, computational science, or a related quantitative field.
• Strong record of solving complex technical problems using first-principles reasoning, experimentation, computation, data analysis, or some combination of these.
• Ability to learn new technical domains quickly and bring structure to ambiguous problems.
• Demonstrated creativity, scientific rigor, and independence in research.
• Strong quantitative skills, including modeling, data analysis, programming, or experimental design.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Interest in translating scientific ideas into practical technologies for energy, sustainability, or industrial applications.

Responsibilities

• Apply first-principles reasoning to solve complex technical problems.
• Develop experimental platforms, simulation tools, and computational models.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate research into practical technologies for energy and sustainability.

Skills

First-principles reasoning

Experimentation

Computation

Data analysis

Programming

Independent research

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

PhD or MS in a quantitative field

Tools

Process simulation tools

Laboratory automation

Data acquisition

Machine learning

Scientific software tools

Job description

Digital Technology & Research, Engineering & Design, Manufacturing

We are seeking a Research Scientist to join the Process Technology Innovation team at Schlumberger-Doll Research (SDR) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. SDR is SLB's premier research center, where scientists and engineers work across disciplines to tackle some of the most important technical challenges in energy, sustainability, and industrial technology.

In this role, you will develop innovative technologies that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon intensity, and support the transition to more sustainable energy systems. You will work on challenging and often ambiguous problems that require a combination of scientific curiosity, creativity, and rigorous analytical thinking. Projects may span multiple technical domains and evolve over time, providing opportunities to contribute across a broad range of research and technology development activities.

Successful candidates will apply a blend of experimentation, modeling, computation, and data analysis to generate new insights and advance technologies from early-stage concepts toward practical implementation. Depending on the needs of the project, work may involve designing experiments, developing process models, analyzing complex datasets, building prototypes and pilots, or creating new approaches to solve difficult technical problems. The ability to connect fundamental scientific understanding with real-world applications is essential.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams across research, engineering, and business development, you will help identify new opportunities, define research directions, communicate technical findings, and contribute to innovations that create meaningful impact for SLB and the broader energy industry. Success in this role requires intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, sound judgment, and a willingness to continually learn and apply new skills as challenges evolve.

We do not expect candidates to have experience in all areas listed below. We are primarily seeking exceptional scientists and engineers with strong fundamentals, intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated ability to learn quickly and solve challenging technical problems.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or MS with significant research experience in chemical, process, or mechanical engineering, physical sciences, chemistry, applied mathematics, computational science, or a related quantitative field.
• Strong record of solving complex technical problems using first-principles reasoning, experimentation, computation, data analysis, or some combination of these.
• Ability to learn new technical domains quickly and bring structure to ambiguous problems.
• Demonstrated creativity, scientific rigor, and independence in research.
• Strong quantitative skills, including modeling, data analysis, programming, or experimental design.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Interest in translating scientific ideas into practical technologies for energy, sustainability, or industrial applications.

Qualifications

• Experience in one or more relevant technical areas such as process systems, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, or reactions.
• Experience developing experimental platforms, simulation tools, computational models, analytical methods, or novel technical workflows.
• Demonstrated experience using process simulation or related modeling tools to develop, evaluate, and optimize emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation, programming, data acquisition, machine learning, or scientific software tools.
• Experience translating research concepts into validated technologies, prototypes, pilots, products, or field applications

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 $105,280 - 192,600. SLB offers a comprehensive total rewards package, which includes variable pay, health care coverage, a retirement plan, protection programs, paid time off, and various training opportunities.

ALL APPLICANTS FOR U.S. ROLES MUST CAREFULLY READ ALL THE SUPPLEMENTAL U.S. SPECIFIC INFORMATION LISTED BELOW.

SLB is committed to a culture where everyone feels like they belong. To learn more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, please visit our Diversity & Inclusion | SLB (slb.com) page for more information.

When certifying your application, you are also certifying on reading and understanding all of the below supplemental information. For purposes of the application and the below information, Company shall be defined to mean SLB. Please note that the below supplemental information and the employment application are NOT a contract.

• EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & VETERANS

  Company policy is to provide every individual a fair and equal opportunity to seek employment and advancement at the Company without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, veteran or military status, disability, creed, ancestry, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status or any factors protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are an "Equal Opportunity Employer". For more information please, refer to the latest version of "Know Your Rights" poster and the "Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster" located here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters. The Company is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

• REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

  The Company will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation / modification to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability to assist in the hiring process, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you believe you require such assistance to complete the application or to participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail] to request assistance. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.

• AUTHORIZATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

  Pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all applicants who are offered and accept employment must produce documents establishing their identity and authorization for employment in the United States. These documents must be produced no later than seventy-two (72) hours after employment commences. In addition, all applicants who are offered and accept employment will be required to verify their employment authorization under oath by signing a USCIS Form I-9. SLB is an E-Verify employer.

• APPLICATION CERTIFICATION

  When applying to a job please read the application carefully before certifying that all of the answers you have given are true, accurate and complete. Ensure that you have read and fully understand the questions asked in the application. Unless noted otherwise, by certifying the application, you are also agreeing to and/or authorizing the following:

  • You understand that any omission and/or misrepresentation of any fact from or on the application or during any interview will result in immediate rejection of the application, or if hired, will be cause for immediate dismissal.
  • You certify that you have read and understand all the supplemental information listed on the job description page for the job that you are applying for.
  • You authorize the Company to contact the education institutions that you have attended and for the Company to make any further investigations deemed necessary in connection with your application for employment.
  • You authorize the Company to investigate and obtain copies of any records which relate to you from your former employers and educational institutions.
  • You release the Company and all affiliated persons and entities, as well as any person or institution that provides the Company with any lawful information about you, from any and all liability whatsoever resulting from any such lawful inquiry, investigation, or communication.
  • You agree that if hired, you will review and become familiar with all the rules and regulations of the Company.
  • You understand and agree that nothing in the application or supplement shall constitute an offer, a contract, or a guarantee of employment for a specific period of time.
  • If hired, you understand that your employment may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time, at the will of the Company or yourself, for any or no reason.
  • If hired, you understand that no supervisor or manager has authority to make an agreement to the contrary changing employment at-will.
  • If hired, you understand that the Company and all plan administrators shall have the maximum discretion permitted by law to administer, interpret, modify, discontinue, enhance, or otherwise change all policies, procedures, benefits or other terms and conditions of employment.
  • You understand that any application that is filled out will be in effect for 90 days from the date you certified it and, if employment is not offered within the 90-day period, you understand that you must reapply to be considered for future employment.
  • You understand that your application for employment in no way obligates the Company to employ you.
• STATE INFORMATION

  Please read below any applicable State Information. By certifying the application, you are also certifying that you have read and understood any applicable State information that is listed below.

  • ARIZONA APPLICANTS ONLY: To the extent required by applicable law, the Company maintains a smoke-free workplace.
  • CALIFORNIA APPLICANTS ONLY: I understand the Company may obtain, without using the services of a third party investigative consumer reporting agency, public records pertaining to my character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living during its evaluation of my application for employment and, if employed, during my employment. By checking the following box, I waive my right to receive copies of public records obtained by the Company.
  • MASSACHUSETTS APPLICANTS ONLY: Note that it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
  • MARYLAND APPLICANTS ONLY: Under Maryland law, an employer may not require or demand, as a condition of employment, prospective employment, or continued employment, that an individual submit to or take a lie detector test. An employer who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
  • NEBRASKA APPLICANTS ONLY: By certifying the application you, hereby give consent to any and all prior employers of yours to provide information with regard to your employment with prior employers to SLB.

Global adventure, broad exposure, and limitless learning await you. You'll be part of the most multi-cultural and diverse team of experts in any industry, anywhere.

Insurance Health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your dependents available from day one.

Learning Opportunities Global adventure, broad exposure, and limitless learning await you. You'll be part of the most multi-cultural and diverse team of experts in any industry, anywhere.

Diverse and Inclusive Our exceptional and diverse people are the pulse and spirit of who we are. Every day, you will enrich your knowledge in an environment where differences in thought, creativity and experiences are embraced.

About Us

We are a global technology company, driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. Together, we create amazing technology that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all.

Global in outlook, local in practice – and with a united, shared passion for discovering solutions, we hire talented, driven people and support them to succeed, personally and professionally.

SLB is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation / modification to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability to assist in the hiring process, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail] to request assistance. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.

SLB is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor- priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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