Senior Process Innovation Chemist

Lubrizol Corporation•Wickliffe, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Process Innovation Chemist, you’ll be at the forefront of transforming how we manufacture developing and advancing novel process technologies that improve efficiency, enhance sustainability, and reduce capital investment. This is a role for someone who thrives on tackling complex, open-ended challenges and turning emerging concepts into real-world solutions. You’ll collaborate across disciplines and partner with leading universities and industry experts to explore what’s possible and then make it practical. Your work won’t just stay in the lab; it will influence commercial processes and shape the future of our operations. Success in this role requires both deep technical expertise and a pioneering mindset. You’ll leverage your background in areas like organic and polymer synthesis, reaction kinetics, and process design while applying data-driven thinking and a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement. Just as importantly, you’ll help others see the potential in new technologies and bring that vision to life.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry, preferably Organic or Polymer, with a minimum of 2 years of experience in process chemistry or development.
Experience scaling chemical processes from lab or pilot scale to commercial production.
Strong expertise in process design including mass and heat balances, reaction kinetics, and equipment design.
Experience conducting pilot trials and working with external vendors or contract manufacturers.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated commitment to safety, ethics, and compliance with industry standards.
Strong project management skills using structured development processes.
Ability to travel globally up to 10% as needed.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and hands-on laboratory equipment experience.
Experience developing techno-economic models including CapEx and OpEx analysis.
Knowledge of chemical and polymer unit operations and equipment design.
Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis.
Familiarity with SAP, Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), or similar systems.
Ability to mentor junior team members and collaborate across organizational levels.

Responsibilities

Identify and advance opportunities across business segments to develop novel chemistries and apply new technologies.
Design optimal synthetic pathways and perform retrosynthetic analysis for existing and new molecules.
Plan and execute laboratory experiments from gram to multi-kilo scale including batch and continuous reactions, high temperature pressure reactions, and non-standard chemistry lab kit (e.g. autoclave and tubular reactors, various pumps and mixers, small bore tubing, compressors, controls and automation).
Lead process development and scale-up efforts with internal and external partners to gather critical process data.
Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to transfer processes safely to commercial production sites.
Provide technical support for manufacturing operations, focusing on process improvement and troubleshooting.
Develop relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including universities and industry groups.
Design processes including material and energy balances, equipment sizing, and control strategies.
Present technical findings and publish research insights for stakeholders and technical communities.
Support safety initiatives, process safety management, and continuous improvement practices.