Snr Research Scientist

Sasol•Lake Charles, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Support applications-focused research and development activities at Sasol’s Lake Charles site, with an emphasis on surfactant-based systems and alignment with global business strategies and objectives. The role develops, formulates, and tests surfactant-based and specialty chemical products for applications including metalworking fluids and industrial lubricants. It demonstrates the value of existing and experimental Sasol products, particularly alcohols and surfactants, in relevant markets to support specialty chemical sales. The position also provides technical support at conferences and customer meetings as needed and mentors less experienced R&D team members. The role supports and leads technical research initiatives, develops solutions to key problems, recommends research objectives and project priorities, and manages multiple projects. It includes laboratory technique and instrumentation responsibilities, development and maintenance of methods, and accurate communication of analytical results. The scientist documents and presents technical findings using an electronic laboratory notebook, works with global cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize products, maintains stakeholder relationships, reports U.S. R&D activity to global teams, and generates ideas for new applications, offerings, and intellectual property. Travel may be required. The position must adhere to safety, health, and environmental procedures.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant experience.
A Ph.D. in Chemistry is preferred; an M.S. or B.S. in chemistry or another physical science is also accepted.
Proven formulation expertise and hands-on experience, ideally including surfactant systems, alcohols, and additives.
Formulation knowledge and experience.
Experience providing technical support to customers.
Experience commercializing new products.
R&D project management experience, including planning, initiating, and completing projects with appropriate interaction with R&D, Marketing and Sales, and customers.
Ability to solve problems effectively and reach data-based conclusions across multiple technical areas.
Effective interpersonal skills for working with internal and external customers.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Customer-focused and solutions-driven approach.
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Background in metalworking fluids and/or industrial lubricants.
Knowledge of tribology.
Ph.D. in Chemistry.

Responsibilities

Support research projects addressing the technical objectives of the research group, providing formulation and application expertise for products used in surfactant- and alcohol-based applications, preferably metalworking fluids and industrial lubricants.
Identify and lead development of technical solutions to key problems within the R&D function.
Provide technical expertise and support to the research team; lead significant technical initiatives within R&D and the site while handling multiple projects.
Understand technical requirements, recommend R&D objectives, define equipment needs, and set priorities and project goals with supervisors and project teams.
Demonstrate competency in standard laboratory techniques.
Develop methods and operate and maintain instrumentation in areas of expertise; communicate accurate and timely analytical results.
Critically evaluate, document, and present technical results, using an electronic laboratory notebook.
Attend, network, and present at key conferences.
Work with global cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize new products.
Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the research group, Lake Charles R&D, global R&D, sales, and marketing.
Report U.S. R&D activity to global sales and R&D teams.
Generate ideas to identify unexplored applications and product offerings and develop intellectual property in metalworking fluids and industrial lubricants.
Travel as needed.
Adhere to safety, health, and environmental procedures.
Provide technical support at conferences and customer meetings as needed.
Mentor and develop less experienced R&D team members.