Staff Scientist

Valvoline Global•Lexington, KY

About The Position

At Valvoline Global Operations, we’re proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we’ve never rested on being first. Founded in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, staking our claim as a pioneer in the automotive and industrial solutions industry. Today, as an affiliate of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driven by innovation and committed to creating sustainable solutions for a better future. With a global presence, we develop future-ready products and provide best-in-class services for our partners around the world. For us, originality isn’t just about where we began; it’s about where we’re headed and how we’ll lead the way. We are originality in motion. Our corporate values—Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, and Excellence—are at the heart of everything we do. These values define how we operate, how we treat one another, and how we engage with our partners, customers, and the communities we serve. At Valvoline Global, we are united in our commitment to: • Treating everyone with care.• Acting with unwavering integrity.• Striving for excellence in all endeavors.• Delivering on our commitments with passion.• Collaborating as one unified team. When you join Valvoline Global, you’ll become part of a culture that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive and industrial solutions. Job Purpose The Staff Scientist provides technical leadership for North American and global specialty grease formulation, guiding the development and advancement of differentiated grease technologies. This role leads and supports projects focused on identifying new formulation technologies and performance claims, while serving as a technical advisor to international regions on grease performance criteria, application requirements, and product selection. The Staff Scientist is the technical owner of grease product information, including Product Information Sheets, technical documentation, and application recommendations, and provides expert guidance to scientists and technical support engineers. This role also plays a key part in fostering a zero-incident safety culture by continuously improving laboratory methods and procedures and leading by example through strict adherence to PPE requirements, safety protocols, and chemical hygiene plans.

Requirements

Minimum B.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field required.
3+ years of experience in analyzing aqueous samples utilizing chromatography equipment and/or previous experience supporting manufacturing in professional laboratory environments.
Experience managing complex projects and working on tight deadlines.
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
Familiarity with Antifreeze/Coolant chemistries
Knowledge of ASTM

Nice To Haves

Experience with development of analytical test methods, and laboratory methods a plus
experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus
Familiarity with Engine/Cooling System hardware, operation, and design

Responsibilities

Manage the Americas Grease & Industrial Fluids team (currently 2 direct reports), 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 (e.g., Formula 1, Hendrick, McLaren) 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.