Senior Research Manager

TGS ASA; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

TGS ASA in Houston, TX, seeks a visionary leader to head a highly technical team validating and operationalizing new imaging technologies from global R&D. This role shapes production-ready workflows and guides technology maturation across the Imaging organization.

You will mentor engineers, recruit graduates, champion new capabilities, and interface with production, sales, and client teams. Strong publications and cross-cultural experience are a plus.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geophysics, Science, Engineering, or related quantitative field.
• Experience managing a team including hiring, mentoring, and performance management.
• Experience managing production-scale projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong QC methodology and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with R&D teams.
• Strong technical presentation and client-facing communication skills.
• Proven record of technical publications in geophysics or related field.
• Global mindset; experience working with distributed, multicultural teams is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of technically strong practitioners; set team priorities and technical direction.
• Recruit high-potential new graduates and build structured training paths to develop them into top-tier processors on emerging technologies.
• Serve as the primary technology champion, evangelizing new capabilities across the global Imaging organization.
• Act as first line of technical support for production projects deploying newly developed technologies.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across R&D, production, sales, and client-facing teams.
• Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and support career development for direct reports.
• Design and execute rigorous test plans for new R&D technologies on production-scale data.
• Identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot issues in new workflows before they reach production.
• Translate research-stage tools into scalable, repeatable production workflows.
• Provide detailed technical feedback to researchers to guide iteration and refinement.
• Maintain deep familiarity with the current geophysical technology landscape and competitive positioning.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring new graduates

Stakeholder management

Technical communication

R&D collaboration

Publications in geophysics

Global teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Geophysics, Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field

Job description

TGS provides scientific data and intelligence to the global energy sector, enabling energy for all by unlocking vital, data‑driven solutions and knowledge. Through an extensive and diverse energy data library, advanced analytics, cloud‑based applications, and specialized services, we work in a way that is Passionate, Results‑Driven, Collaborative, and Responsible.

This role leads a highly technical team responsible for validating and operationalizing new imaging technologies developed by global R&D organization. The team bridges the gap between prototype research tools and production‑scale deployment, ensuring new methods are rigorously tested, benchmarked, and production‑ready before being handed off to global processing teams. This is a high‑visibility role with direct influence on the technology roadmap for the Imaging organization worldwide.

• Test and validate new technologies developed by R&D teams globally, applying prototype tools to real, production‑scale datasets
• Design and document robust workflows for newest technologies prior to production rollout
• Partner closely with R&D researchers and developers, providing rapid, structured feedback loops to accelerate technology maturation
• Generate technical marketing material and support high‑technology sales bids and client‑facing technical presentations
• Own the QC and benchmarking framework used to assess new technology readiness for production

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of technically strong practitioners; set team priorities and technical direction
• Recruit high‑potential new graduates and early‑career talent; build structured training paths to develop them into top‑tier processors on emerging technologies
• Serve as the primary technology champion, evangelizing new capabilities across the global Imaging organization
• Act as first line of technical support for production projects deploying newly developed technologies
• Manage stakeholder relationships across R&D, production, sales, and client‑facing teams
• Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and support career development for direct reports

Technical

• Design and execute rigorous test plans for new R&D technologies on production‑scale data
• Identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot issues in new workflows before they reach production
• Translate research‑stage tools into scalable, repeatable production workflows
• Provide detailed technical feedback to researchers to guide iteration and refinement
• Maintain deep familiarity with the current geophysical technology landscape and competitive positioning

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Geophysics, Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field
• Experience managing a team, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management
• Experience managing production‑scale projects and cross‑functional initiatives
• Strong QC methodology and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrated experience partnering closely with R&D teams
• Strong technical presentation and communication skills, including client‑or sales‑facing experience
• Proven record of technical publications in geophysics or a related field
• Global mindset; experience working across distributed, multicultural teams is a plus

TGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our application process for individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].