Surface Science & Microscopy Scientist

Exxon Mobil; Spring (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Pension Plan

Savings Plan with company match

Workplace Flexibility

Employee Health Advisory Program

Job summary

Exxon Mobil in Spring, Texas, seeks a researcher with expertise in microanalysis and surface science to lead technical initiatives and support R&D efforts. The candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage complex analytical tools while actively communicating findings through publications and presentations.

Along with a competitive salary, we offer benefits including an automatic pension plan, comprehensive medical coverage, and workplace flexibility programs. Join us to tackle critical challenges within the energy industry.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in a relevant field focused on microanalysis or surface science.
• Hands-on expertise with microanalysis or surface science tools.
• Ability to understand electron/ion/x-ray interactions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader for microanalysis and surface science.
• Collaborate with global teams to support R&D goals.
• Communicate research results internally and externally.

Skills

Microanalysis expertise

Surface science knowledge

Image and statistical analysis

Programming skills

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

XPS

ToF-SIMS

SEM

TEM

AFM

Job description

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.

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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Houston

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