Sr. Research Chemist

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Bartlesville (OK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Alternate work schedules

Job summary

Chevron Phillips Chemical seeks a Senior Research Chemist in Bartlesville, OK, to lead and execute independent research projects advancing polymer characterization and process understanding.

You will collaborate with chemists, engineers, and analytical staff to support manufacturing, product development, and scale-up, while mentoring junior colleagues and publishing results. The role emphasizes safety, IP generation, and cross-functional teamwork.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry.
• Minimum 7 years of experience.
• Must have clearly demonstrated the ability to develop and lead independent research projects.
• Background in analytical techniques used to characterize polymer architecture.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental and health regulations and procedures.
• Influence development of local Operational Excellence policies and act as expert for review of safe work practices.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts that have significant impact on safe and reliable operation of laboratories.
• Demonstrate leadership in one or more areas of technical expertise, including areas beyond direct work group, and strongly influences planning and execution of R&D projects.
• Regularly contribute to CPChem's IP estate by obtaining patents in area of expertise.
• Initiate, design, develop, and lead broad research projects requiring direct interaction with internal or external customers that deliver credible solutions.
• Develop and use predictive models for determining product properties based on the polymer architecture and structure property relationships.
• Resolve challenging and/or recurring problems by implementing fundamental solutions.
• Mentor one or more junior exempt employees in technology, monitoring tools, problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Prepare written reports, oral presentations and external publications summarizing experimental studies and/or R&D programs.

Skills

Lead independent research projects

Analytical techniques for polymer

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

GPC

Rheology

CEF

TREF

DSC

Job description

Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) is seeking a Senior Research Chemist to join our team at the Research and Technology organization located in Bartlesville, OK.

The Analytical Research Chemist will conduct routine and non-routine testing related to polymers while designing and executing independent research projects that support the company’s global business needs. This role partners closely with chemists, engineers, and analytical personnel to provide technical support for manufacturing, product development, application development, and research groups; support scale-up programs; troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instrumentation; and ensure safe, reliable laboratory operations. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented team player with strong written and verbal communication skills, able to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, participate actively in safety programs, and develop and execute valuable independent research projects.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental and health regulations and procedures.
• Influence development of local Operational Excellence policies and act as expert for review of safe work practices.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts that have significant impact on safe and reliable operation of laboratories.
• Demonstrate leadership in one or more areas of technical expertise, including areas beyond direct work group, and strongly influences planning and execution of R&D projects.
• Regularly contribute to CPChem's IP estate by obtaining patents in area of expertise.
• Initiate, design, develop, and lead broad research projects requiring direct interaction with internal or external customers that deliver credible solutions.
• Develop and use predictive models for determining product properties based on the polymer architecture and structure property relationships.
• Resolve challenging and/or recurring problems by implementing fundamental solutions.
• Mentor one or more junior exempt employees in technology, monitoring tools, problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Prepare written reports, oral presentations and external publications summarizing experimental studies and/or R&D programs.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry
• Minimum 7 years of experience
• Must have clearly demonstrated the ability to develop and lead independent research projects
• Background in analytical techniques used to characterize polymer architecture

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with characterizing polyethylene materials using GPC, Rheology, CEF, TREF, and DSC
• Experience with high throughput experimentation and testing automation
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) approaches, data science or machine learning
• Demonstrated track record of conducting independent creative research with relevant industry experience
• Knowledge of polymer science including structure property relationships in polyolefin materials

Chevron Phillips Chemical offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package and at most locations, alternate work schedules.

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or marital status.

Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

Eligibility for Relocation: Yes

Closing Date: 11/05/2026

Nearest Major Market: Tulsa
Nearest Secondary Market: Oklahoma
Job Segment: Research Scientist, Senior Scientist, Chemical Research, Materials Science, Chemical Engineer, Science, Engineering

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status or marital status. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the application process, you can request assistance or accommodation using the Workplace Accommodation Request form above.