Surface Science & Microscopy Scientist

ExxonMobil; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan

Savings Plan match

Workplace Flexibility

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Wellbeing programs

Employee Health Advisory Program

Job summary

ExxonMobil is seeking a highly qualified researcher to lead microanalysis and surface science initiatives within multidisciplinary teams supporting R&D and business needs. You will develop and scout new methods, tools, and capabilities to address energy industry challenges and establish long-term research programs.

The role requires a PhD in Materials Science or Physics with hands-on experience across XPS, SIMS, SEM, TEM, FIB, and AFM, plus strong data analysis and programming skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Materials Science, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on microanalysis or surface science.
• Hands-on expertise operating a number of microanalysis or surface science tools, such as XPS, ToF-SIMS, dynamic SIMS, SEM, EPMA, TEM, FIB, and AFM.
• Ability to demonstrate fundamental understanding of electron/ion/x-ray interactions with materials and the hardware used for microanalysis and/or surface science.
• Proficiency with image analysis, statistical analysis, and programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with global multi-disciplinary teams to advance R&D goals and support the business.
• Provide leadership in microanalysis and surface science areas.
• Apply characterization techniques to develop composition/structure/process/property relationships.
• Utilize internal and external analytical capabilities and partners to meet program deliverables.
• Promote awareness of adjacent techniques and expert guidance for research activities.
• Support established testing methods as a subject matter expert.
• Stay current with the community and communicate results through seminars and publications.

Skills

Image analysis

Programming

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in Materials Science or Physics

Tools

XPS

ToF-SIMS

Dynamic SIMS

SEM

EPMA

TEM

FIB

AFM

Job description

About us

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living and a net-zero future. As one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies.

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together.

What role you will play in our team

This researcher will serve as a technical leader and champion for microanalysis and surface science within multi-disciplinary teams supporting R&D and business needs. They will leverage their knowledge to develop and scout new methods, tools, and expertise, building long-term capabilities that help solve energy industry challenges.

What you will do

• Collaborate effectively with global multi-disciplinary teams to further R&D goals and support the business.
• Provide leadership in areas related to microanalysis and surface science.
• Apply characterization techniques and your expertise to develop composition/structure/process/property relationships.
• Utilize and grow internal analytical capabilities, establish external partners, and leverage 3rd party labs to advance research objectives and meet program deliverables.
• Establish and grow awareness of adjacent techniques, methods, and experts to guide research activities to the most effective solutions.
• Provide support for established testing methods as a subject matter expert.
• Remain current and engaged with the community in your area of expertise.
• Communicate your results internally and externally to maintain/establish your expertise and visibility (including seminars, publications, patents, etc.).

About you

Minimum Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Materials Science, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on microanalysis or surface science.
• Hands-on expertise operating a number of microanalysis or surface science tools, such as XPS, ToF-SIMS, dynamic SIMS, SEM, EPMA, TEM, FIB, and AFM.
• Ability to demonstrate fundamental understanding of electron/ion/x-ray interactions with materials and the hardware used for microanalysis and/or surface science.
• Proficiency with image analysis, statistical analysis, and programming skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior exposure to industrial R&D, manufacturing support, or product qualification.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex instruments.
• Track record of presentations, publications, and/or patents.
• Ability to integrate microanalysis or surface science with complementary characterization methods (e.g., optical spectroscopy, x-ray scattering, thermal analysis).
• Experience working with carbon and hydrocarbon-based materials.

Your benefits

• We offer you: Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life.
• Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match.
• Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as “Flex your Day”, providing ad-­hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-­term programs such as leaves of absence and part‑time work.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing.
• Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you.
• Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.

Please note benefits may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

Alternate Location

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