Sr. Research Chemist

About the role

Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) creates the building blocks for more than 70,000 consumer and industrial products — from medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics. With 5,000 employees globally, the company maintains a “small company feel” and a culture of belonging where every voice is valued.

The Senior Research Chemist will join the Research and Technology organization in Bartlesville, OK. This Analytical Research Chemist conducts routine and non‑routine polymer testing while designing and executing independent research projects that support global business needs. The role partners closely with chemists, engineers, and analytical personnel to provide technical support for manufacturing, product development, application development, and research groups; support scale‑up programs; troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instrumentation; and ensure safe, reliable laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental and health regulations and procedures.
• Influence development of local Operational Excellence policies and act as expert for review of safe work practices.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts that have significant impact on safe and reliable operation of laboratories.
• Demonstrate leadership in one or more areas of technical expertise, including areas beyond direct work group, and strongly influence planning and execution of R&D projects.
• Regularly contribute to CPChem's IP estate by obtaining patents in area of expertise.
• Initiate, design, develop, and lead broad research projects requiring direct interaction with internal or external customers that deliver credible solutions.
• Develop and use predictive models for determining product properties based on reaction, catalyst, and process parameters.
• Resolve challenging and/or recurring problems by implementing fundamental solutions.
• Mentor one or more junior exempt employees in technology, monitoring tools, problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Prepare written reports, oral presentations and external publications summarizing experimental studies and/or R&D programs.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry
• Minimum 7 years of experience
• Clearly demonstrated ability to develop and lead independent research projects
• Background in catalysis research, which may include inorganic or organometallic catalyst development and testing

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with catalytic olefin polymerizations
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalyst materials development and testing
• Experience with solid supported catalysts
• Experience with high throughput experimentation or catalyst testing automation
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) approaches, data science or machine learning
• Demonstrated track record of conducting independent creative research with relevant industry experience
• Knowledge of polymer science including structure‑property relationships in polyolefin materials

Benefits

Chevron Phillips Chemical offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and at most locations, alternate work schedules.

Additional Information

• Travel Requirements: Up to 10%
• Eligibility for Relocation: Yes
• Closing Date: 11/02/2026