Research Chemist

LyondellBasell North America•Channelview, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

LyondellBasell is seeking a Research Chemist to join the R&D Analytical team at its Houston Technology Center (HTC) in the Houston, Texas area. HTC serves as the research and development center for Lyondell Chemical Company’s Intermediates and Derivatives and Olefins businesses. The role helps advance catalyst and process technologies and provides technical support to manufacturing and business organizations. It reports to the HTC Analytical Manager. The Research Chemist applies analytical expertise to chemical research and process development, particularly determining organic compound structures using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and other techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and liquid chromatography (LC). The role leads the application of NMR in chemical and catalyst R&D, maintains Bruker NMR systems, plans equipment upgrades or replacements, and guides one or two laboratory technicians and/or specialists. It also involves promoting workplace safety, documenting and communicating laboratory procedures, introducing advanced analytical methods, participating in internal expert groups, and communicating with management to align work with R&D objectives.

Requirements

PhD in organic chemistry or a related discipline.
Three to seven years of relevant academic and/or industrial experience, including three to seven years of experience determining organic compound structures using NMR.
Advanced expertise in applying NMR to determine organic compound structures.
Strong foundation in organic chemistry and thorough understanding of organic reaction mechanisms.
Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated creativity, innovation, and problem-solving ability.
Demonstrated technical expertise through journal articles, reports, presentations, posters, and/or patents.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to independently develop and implement new analytical methods.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Strong team-oriented mindset.
Adherence to all safety standards, practices, and requirements.
Ability to sit or stand for approximately 90% of an eight-hour shift, with breaks available as needed; administrative tasks may also require standing, sitting, squatting, stooping, and/or kneeling.
Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with solid-state NMR.
Experience with other analytical techniques, such as MS, IR, and LC.

Responsibilities

Apply analytical expertise to develop solutions for chemical research and process development, with emphasis on determining organic compound structures using NMR and other techniques, including MS, IR, and LC.
Lead the application of NMR analysis in chemical and catalyst R&D.
Maintain Bruker NMR systems in reliable operating condition and develop capital plans for equipment upgrades or replacement.
Lead one or two laboratory technicians and/or specialists in routine and non-routine sample analyses.
Champion safety by personal example and by leading and participating in workplace safety meetings.
Thoroughly document and communicate laboratory procedures, prioritizing personnel safety.
Stay current with key analytical advances and introduce advanced analytical methods.
Participate in internal expert groups to share and apply best practices.
Communicate regularly with management to maintain alignment with R&D objectives.
Complete other duties as assigned.