Senior R&D Scientist (Katy, TX)

Sinopec Group; Katy, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SINOPEC-UOP Joint Research Center in the United States seeks a Senior R&D Scientist to advance catalyst research and catalytic process development. You will design experiments, interpret data, and help move concepts from lab to validated processes, collaborating across a multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes experimental leadership, safety, and contribution to IP activities while working with collaborators from SINOPEC and Honeywell UOP.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemical engineering or related field.
• Experience in catalyst development and catalytic processes.
• Strong background in thermodynamics and kinetics.
• Experience with GC, HPLC, TGA analytics.
• Ability to operate fixed-bed micro-reactors and related equipment.
• Familiarity with stage-gate development processes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on catalysts from concept through development stages.
• Develop experimental plans and conduct lab tests with reactors and equipment.
• Coordinate activities with technicians and provide technical direction.
• Evaluate results to assess feasibility and improvement opportunities.
• Translate findings into process concepts and diagrams.
• Prepare invention disclosures to support IP activities.
• Review literature to identify potential innovations.
• Present results and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory safety.

Skills

Catalysis

Kinetics

Thermodynamics

GC/HPLC/TGA

Fixed-bed reactors

Stage-gate RD

Independent research

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

GC

HPLC

TGA

Fixed-bed reactors

Job description

Department: SINOPEC-UOP Joint Research Center
Employment: SINOPEC Employee

Position Overview

Senior R&D Scientist

The Senior R&D Scientist is responsible for advancing catalyst and catalytic process research at the SINOPEC-UOP Joint Research Center. This position independently develops and carries out experimental research, evaluates technical data, and helps move new catalyst and process concepts from early-stage research through validation using a structured R&D development process.

The role works closely with scientists, engineers, and laboratory personnel and contributes to technical innovation, intellectual property development, and the identification of new research opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and perform research activities involving catalysts and catalytic process technologies from initial concept through the various stages of the R&D development process.
• Develop experimental plans and conduct laboratory testing using fixed-bed micro-reactors, autoclaves, catalyst evaluation systems, and related laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate experimental activities with laboratory technicians and provide technical direction to support accurate, efficient, and safe laboratory work.
• Evaluate and interpret experimental results to determine technical feasibility and identify opportunities for further development.
• Translate research findings into potential chemical process concepts, including preparation of process block diagrams, technical conclusions, and recommended next steps.
• Generate and evaluate new catalyst and process ideas and prepare invention disclosures when appropriate to support patent and intellectual property activities.
• Research scientific publications, patent literature, and competing technologies to stay current with industry developments and identify potential areas for innovation.
• Prepare and communicate research results, project progress, and technical recommendations to management and other stakeholders across SINOPEC and Honeywell UOP.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory safety and ensure research activities are performed in accordance with established safety requirements, procedures, and applicable regulations.

Required Qualifications and Technical Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of heterogeneous and/or homogeneous catalysis, including reaction mechanisms and characterization of catalyst active sites.
• Strong foundation in chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and reaction engineering.
• Experience using analytical techniques and instrumentation such as gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), or comparable analytical systems.
• Practical experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting fixed-bed micro-reactors, autoclaves, or similar laboratory-scale reaction equipment.
• Understanding of structured technology-development methodologies, including stage-gate or comparable R&D processes.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and troubleshooting abilities, including the ability to evaluate technical challenges and develop alternative approaches.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain technical findings to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Ability to manage research responsibilities independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary project teams.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• Approximately 1-5 years of relevant research experience involving catalyst development, catalytic processes, or related technologies in an academic or industrial environment.
• Relevant research completed as part of a doctoral program may be considered toward the experience requirement.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Disclaimers: The foregoing statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of this role and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of this position. The specifics of this job description will be updated from time to time, as appropriate and required.

STHC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] or you may call us at 1-832-831-1200.