Senior Research Development Chemist

International Chemicals LLC; San Angelo (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

International Chemicals LLC in Texas seeks a Senior Research & Development Chemist to develop, optimize, and commercialize specialty chemical solutions for oilfield completion and production chemistry applications. This role focuses on applied research, formulation science, laboratory testing, and evaluating product performance for oilfield operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong chemistry background and experience translating science into practical, high‑value products, collaborating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in industrial specialty chemicals, oilfield chemistry, or product development.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory research, formulation development, and product testing.
• Strong knowledge of experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and manage research projects with cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting.

Responsibilities

• Research, formulate, optimize, and evaluate specialty chemicals for oilfield applications.
• Design and execute experiments and performance tests representative of oilfield operations.
• Apply chemistry and formulation science to guide product development and improvements.
• Support commercialization and scale-up from lab to pilot and manufacturing.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation; keep accurate records and reports.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, sales, and technical service teams.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to IP development.
• Maintain a safe, efficient laboratory adhering to safety standards.

Skills

Laboratory research

Formulation development

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Industry: Specialty Chemicals / Oil & Gas

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, innovative, and hands‑on Senior Research & Development Chemist to develop, optimize, and commercialize specialty chemical solutions for the oil and gas industry. This role focuses on applied research, chemical formulation, laboratory testing, and product performance evaluation for oilfield completion and production chemistry applications, including scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and related specialty chemical technologies.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in chemistry, formulation science, and industrial product development, with the ability to translate scientific concepts into practical, high‑performance, commercially viable products. This position works closely with R&D, manufacturing, quality, technical service, and commercial teams to address customer challenges, improve existing products, and drive innovation and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Product Development: Develop, formulate, optimize, and evaluate specialty chemicals for oilfield completion and production applications. Conduct applied research to improve existing formulations and create innovative products that meet customer needs and industry challenges.
• Laboratory Testing & Performance Evaluation: Design and execute experiments, screening studies, and application‑specific performance tests under conditions representative of oilfield operations.
• Technical Analysis: Apply fundamental chemistry, formulation science, and structure‑property relationships to guide product development. Analyze experimental data, troubleshoot performance issues, and provide technically sound recommendations.
• Commercialization & Scale‑Up: Support the transition of new formulations from laboratory development through pilot‑scale evaluation and commercial manufacturing.
• Instrumentation & Documentation: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and analytical equipment. Maintain accurate laboratory records, experimental data, technical reports, and development documentation.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with manufacturing, quality, sales, and technical service teams to support product commercialization, field trials, customer applications, and product troubleshooting.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Identify opportunities to improve formulations, laboratory methods, product performance, and manufacturing processes. Contribute to intellectual property development and stay current with emerging technologies and industry advancements.
• Laboratory Safety: Maintain a safe, efficient, and organized laboratory in accordance with established safety procedures and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial experience in specialty chemicals, oilfield chemistry, chemical formulation, or product development.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in laboratory research, formulation development, and product performance testing.
• Strong knowledge of experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical problem‑solving.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and manage research projects while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting and documentation.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a hands‑on scientist who combines strong technical expertise with practical problem‑solving and a commercialization mindset. They are comfortable working independently in a laboratory environment, collaborating across departments, and translating research results into effective chemical solutions that deliver measurable value to customers.

**Relocation assistance is possible.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.