Staff Scientist

ChampionX; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ChampionX, now part of SLB, is seeking a Staff Scientist in Sugar Land, TX to advance corrosion control research and production chemistry. You will design experiments and translate findings into practical solutions for field challenges.

You will lead applied research, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with business partners to enable new technology adoption while contributing to IP and rigorous technical documentation.

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years of relevant experience or MS with 8+ years or BS with 10+ years in related field.
• Experience with corrosion control chemistry and advanced characterization methods.
• Strong interfacial science, structure-property relationships, and formulation background.

Responsibilities

• Adopt and promote safety standards while pursuing continuous improvement.
• Conduct applied research to solve production challenges in corrosion control and related chemistry domains.
• Lead and execute innovation projects with potential global reach and impact.
• Own SME role, mentor others, and collaborate with industry or academic partners.

Skills

Corrosion control chemistry

Interfacial science

Formulation science

Mentoring

Technical communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Materials Science/CE

MS in Chemistry/Materials Science

BS in Chemistry/related field

Tools

DOE (Design of Experiments)

Advanced characterization techniques

IP documentation

Job description

Disclaimer: SLB completed the acquisition of ChampionX on July 16, 2025. If selected for this position, your employment will begin with ChampionX and will transition to SLB as part of the planned integration.

We are looking for a Staff Scientist located in Sugar Land, TX.

What You Will Do:

• Adopt, maintain, and promote safety standards while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Conduct applied scientific research to advance technical knowledge and solve complex production challenges related to corrosion control and other production chemistry domains.
• Apply fundamental knowledge of chemistry and interfacial science to formulate new products that solve industry needs.
• Design formulations, laboratory screening and performance evaluation strategies that connect formulation variables to corrosion control and field applicability.
• Lead and execute transformational innovation projects with potential global reach and high business impact.
• Conduct standardized testing protocols to evaluate product performance, analyze research data, and prepare detailed reports and presentations.
• Own subject matter expertise for self-initiated research and serve as a technical resource, teacher, and mentor for others.
• Leverage external technology and collaborations with industry or academia during the innovation process.
• Steward technical documentation and intellectual property, while monitoring the competitive landscape for disruptive technologies.
• Work directly with business counterparts and customers to identify needs, translate those needs into technical solutions, and support new technology adoption.
• Drive continuous improvement of the business to responsibly deliver energy and contribute to a safety-focused, inclusive, and sustainable culture.

Leadership, Culture, and Business Impact:

Lead innovation with high business impact by applying strategic understanding of global markets, adjacencies, customer needs, and technical gaps to deliver breakthrough solutions. Embody operating principles that reinforce safety, continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and inclusive leadership. Build a broad sphere of influence as a safety leader, corporate citizen, mentor, and technical contributor. Grow subject matter expertise through independent learning and by staying current with advances in science and technology. Address personal development opportunities through self-awareness, feedback, mentoring, and engagement with senior leadership.

Physical Demands:

This role is deemed safety-sensitive and may be subject to employer or customer drug testing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• PhD with 6+ years of relevant work experience; MS with 8+ years; or BS with 10+ years.
• Experience with corrosion control chemistry and advanced characterization techniques.
• Strong background in interfacial science, structure property relationships, and formulation science.
• Nanotechnology experience is an advantage
• Proven capability developing innovative solutions, including product formulation and development.
• Ability to work with business counterparts to support customers and enable new technology adoption.
• Proven track record in mentoring, guiding, and coaching less experienced employees, influencing without authority.
• Ability to analyze and interpret incomplete information and make sound technical recommendations.
• Strong record of technical documentation, including reports, presentations, and intellectual property contributions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to connect and interact with business and marketing collaborations to clearly identify needs and translate those needs into solutions.
• Experience transitioning product development from laboratory scale to pilot and production scale.
• Experience with formal Design of Experiments and/or data analytics.
• Detail-oriented work style with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent written, oral, and visual communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Recognition as a technical expert, mentor, industry contributor, or trusted technical advisor.

About Us:

ChampionX is now part of SLB, a global technology company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. We are a technology company that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. Today, we face a global imperative to create a future with more energy, but less carbon. Our diverse, innovative change makers are focused on going further in innovation and inventing the new energy technologies we need to get there. For more news and information, visit SLB.com. Follow us on Facebook at @WeAreSLBGlobal, LinkedIn: SLBGlobal, or Instagram at @SLBGlobal.

ChampionX is now part of SLB, a global technology company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. We are a technology company that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. Today, we face a global imperative to create a future with more energy, but less carbon. Our diverse, innovative change makers are focused on going further in innovation and inventing the new energy technologies we need to get there. For more news and information, visit SLB.com. Follow us on Facebook at @WeAreSLBGlobal, LinkedIn: SLBGlobal, or Instagram at @SLBGlobal.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We believe the best teams are diverse and inclusive, and we are on a journey to create a workplace where every employee can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement on the basis of individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.