Sr. Research Chemist

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Bartlesville (OK); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Alternate work schedules

Job summary

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company seeks a Senior Research Chemist to join the Research and Technology team in Bartlesville, OK. The role conducts routine and non-routine testing for polymers and leads independent research projects to support global business needs.

Responsibilities include safety leadership, troubleshooting, IP contributions, and mentorship of junior staff, with collaboration across chemists, engineers, and analytical personnel.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience.
• Ability to develop and lead independent research projects.
• Background in catalysis research (inorganic or organometallic catalyst development and testing).

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and health regulations.
• Lead and influence development of local safety policies and safe work practices.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts that impact safe and reliable laboratory operation.
• Demonstrate leadership in technical areas and influence R&D project planning and execution.
• Contribute to CPChem IP by obtaining patents in area of expertise.
• Initiate, design, and lead broad research projects with internal/external stakeholders.
• Develop predictive models for product properties based on reaction parameters.
• Resolve challenging problems with fundamental solutions.
• Mentor junior staff in technology, monitoring tools, problem solving, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare reports, presentations and external publications summarizing studies.

Skills

Leadership

Independent research

Catalysis

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Job description

You may not realize it, but you’ve likely used a product today made possible by the plastics and chemicals manufactured by Chevron Phillips Chemical. From medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics, we create the building blocks for more than 70,000 consumer and industrial products.

Even as a global company with 5,000 employees, we maintain a “small company feel.” Our commitment to foster a culture of belonging ensures that regardless of your background or experience, your voice is valued and heard, empowering you to make a meaningful impact and grow both personally and professionally. Ask any Chevron Phillips Chemical employee what they like best about their job, and universally, the answer is “the people I work with!” We value work-life balance, and love to see our employees thrive both professionally and personally. There has never been a better time to work for Chevron Phillips Chemical. If you’re ready to grow with us and become part of our vision of being the premier Chemical Company,

Introduction

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 reaction, catalyst, and process parameters.
• 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 catalysis research, which may include Inorganic or Organometallic catalyst development and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with catalytic olefin polymerizations
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalyst materials development and testing
• Experience with solid supported catalysts
• Experience with high throughput experimentation or catalyst 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: 11/02/2026

Nearest Major Market: Tulsa
Nearest Secondary Market: Oklahoma
Job Segment: Senior Scientist, Chemical Research, Research Scientist, Chemistry, Scientific, 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.