Senior, Staff Scientist
About The Position
The Senior, Staff Scientist serves as the Manager and Lead Formulator for the Americas Grease and Industrial Fluids Team, with responsibility for grease and industrial formulations across the Americas and Global Motorsports. This role develops and leads projects to identify and implement new technologies that enable differentiated performance claims for grease and industrial products. Acts as a technical advisor to international regions on performance criteria, product selection, and application recommendations for grease and industrial solutions. Owns the technical content for Americas Grease and Industrial Fluids, including Product Information Sheets, technical documentation, and application guidance. Manages and mentors scientists and engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional development. Represents Valvoline in key industry and standards organizations, including ASTM, NLGI, and STLE. Promotes and contributes to a zero-incident safety culture through continuous improvement of laboratory methods and procedures, leading by example in adherence to PPE requirements, safety protocols, and chemical hygiene plans.
Requirements
- Minimum Ph.D. or Doctorate Level research in chemistry, engineering or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in grease and industrial fluid formulations supporting manufacturing in professional laboratory environments.
- Experience with development of analytical test methods, and laboratory methods a plus
- Experience managing complex projects and working on tight deadlines.
- Advanced research experience with peer reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Past experience in formulation innovation enabling the use of novel chemistries in greases and Industrial fluids
- Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
- Multi-tasker and problem-solver.
- Attention to detail and desire to complete quality work products.
- Ability to work well with others and comprehend instruction quickly.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and laboratory best practices.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus.
- Knowledge of ASTM
- Familiarity with automotive and industrial hardware, operation, and design
- Up to 20% Domestic travel with 1-2 International trips per year.
Responsibilities
- Manage the Americas Grease & Industrial Fluids team, set priorities, allocate resources, and deliver on the regional NSD programs and Innovation Master Plan.
- Lead the formulation development and commercialization of high-performance greases and industrial fluids for OEM, Aramco Affiliate, and retail channels.
- Provide global support to strategic motorsports teams develop technologies to improve vehicle performance and translate promising developments to commercial applications
- Represent Valvoline with ASTM, NLGI, STLE, conferences, and approved media engagements to influence standards and elevate the credibility of the Valvoline brand.
- Continuously improve lab methods, SOPs, and compliance (PPE, chemical hygiene), modeling a zero-incident safety culture.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision)
- Health Savings Account (with employer base deposit and match)
- Flexible spending accounts
- Competitive 401(k) with generous employer base deposit and match
- Incentive opportunity
- Life insurance
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee discounts
- PTO Buy/Sell Options
- Tuition reimbursement
- Adoption assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
