LEAD SCIENTIST - Process Chemistry
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
Process Chemistry provides analytical support for petrochemical and renewable energy research, with chemistry as its foundation. Work includes testing and evaluating developmental processes, utilizing advanced instrumentation, and fabricating custom sampling systems. The role emphasizes catalyst development, innovative science ideas, and problem-solving to address complex challenges. Through rigorous chemical principles, advanced tools, and collaborative approaches, Process Chemistry drives efficiency, sustainability, and breakthrough solutions across projects
Objectives of this Role:
- Experience with analytical instrumentation and apparatus relayed to the chemistry and process chemistry work, including chromatography (especially gas chromatography) online instruments a plus.
- Work is in support of process projects from bench scale to pilot plant size.
- Seeking a motivated professional to join our Process Chemistry team, contributing in chemistry, catalysts, instrumentation, project execution, and business development.
- Ideal candidates are problem-solvers with strong technical expertise and a collaborative mindset
- Strong leader with experience leading, teaching, mentoring, and training research and technical staff in the area of chemistry related work.
- Established a substantial and consistent record of technical quality on projects, successful proposals, and/or extensive business development.
- Have strong visibility and are involved in external professional activities.
- Possess advanced expertise, project and business skills, work independently, lead major programs, improve planning and development, and present R&D efforts to clients and the professional community, driving innovation and success.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Drive business development by leveraging departmental innovations, lead continuous improvement to boost productivity and sustainability, and collaborate across sections to align technical advancements with strategic objectives.
- Manage and execute projects in the area of renewables, catalyst and chemistry including method and instrument research and development.
- Apply chemistry and catalyst knowledge to optimize processes and improve efficiency while supporting and maintaining instrumentation, participating in research, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration, and contributing to projects from concept through scale-up.
- Design, conduct, and lead laboratory testing involving bench test facilities and comprehensive data analysis to be able to provide clear and concise summaries to clients and/or technical management.
- Lead, mentor, train junior staff in technical activities and helping them advance science and project management and chemical concepts.
- Written report on all activities including staff, business development, and networking.
Requirements:
- Requires a Masters degree in Chemistry with an emphasis on physical, materials or analytical chemistry. Those with a PhD level degree may have fewer years of industry experience.
- Shift work required.
- 7 years: Related industry experiences including instrumentation, chemistry related methods,
- Excel in method development, applying expertise in HPLC, spectroscopy, and chromatography for complex analysis. Drive product and process development, create scalable compounds and formulations, and master advanced equipment operation and troubleshooting.
- Must have a genuine passion for chemistry and its power to transform society and deliver solutions for clients, with enthusiasm for innovation, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to applying science that improves lives, industries, and communities.
- Must actively network and establish themselves as a standout leader in the science of chemistry, driving innovation and recognition within the section and department while fostering collaboration and advancing organizational goals.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO