Technology Center Scientist

Primary Responsibilities

• SEM & Imaging Operations
  • Operate and maintain Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) systems.
  • Acquire high-quality secondary electron (SE) and backscatter electron (BSE) images of geological materials, including elemental analysis and mineral identification using EDS workflows.
  • Assist with development and optimization of SEM imaging procedures for unconventional reservoir characterization.
  • Prepare geological samples including core plugs, slabbed core, cuttings, polished mounts and Ion-milled samples including conductive coating and maintaining sample prep equipment.
  • Organize and archive analytical images and laboratory data.
• Core Analysis Support
  • Support routine and specialized core analysis workflows on conventional and unconventional reservoir samples.
  • Assist with laboratory testing including porosity and permeability measurements, fluid saturation analysis, extractions & drying, rock sample preparation, Special Core Analysis Testing.
  • Assist with laboratory measurement of reservoir rock properties including wettability, capillary pressure, relative permeability, fluid saturation, and fluid-rock interaction experiments.
  • Support preparation, handling, and preservation of reservoir fluids, produced water, brines, and chemical solutions for laboratory testing.
  • Maintain accurate sample tracking, chain-of-custody, and QA/QC documentation.
• Laboratory Operations
  • Coordinate analytical priorities and sample workflows with technical staff and project teams.
  • Assist in generating presentation-quality figures, photomicrographs, and laboratory summaries.
  • Support continuous improvement of laboratory workflows, efficiency, and analytical consistency.
  • Work effectively across multiple simultaneous projects and shifting operational priorities.
  • Support laboratory testing programs associated with reservoir fluids characterization, fluid and rock properties, and fluid-rock interaction research initiatives.
  • Assist with calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of laboratory instruments used for rock and fluid property measurements.

Desired Attributes

• Strong hands-on laboratory mindset. Willing / able to be on your feet most of the day.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Self-motivated with strong initiative.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new analytical technologies.
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills.
• Capable of balancing analytical precision with operational efficiency.
• Demonstrates strong laboratory safety awareness and familiarity with chemical handling and experimental testing procedures.

Work Environment

• Laboratory-based position requiring standing, lifting, and handling of rock samples and laboratory equipment.
• Frequent microscope and computer workstation use.
• Occasional movement of core boxes and analytical equipment.
• Laboratory safety compliance required at all times.

Job Requirements

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree, Preferred in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering Technology, or related technical field.
• Minimum 5-10+ years of laboratory experience in one or more of the following: Core analysis, Geological laboratory operations, SEM or microscopy, Petrophysical laboratory testing, Reservoir fluids analysis, Chemical EOR laboratory testing, Rock-fluid interaction studies, Special Core Analysis (SCAL), Oilfield chemistry laboratory operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience handling and preparing geological core or rock samples.
• Experience conducting laboratory measurements of fluid and rock properties.
• Experience working with reservoir fluids, brines, solvents, surfactants, polymers, or other chemical systems used in oilfield applications is desirable.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment and follow established procedures.
• Proficiency with standard computer software and digital data management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience operating SEM/EDS instrumentation.
• Experience in oil and gas core analysis laboratories.
• Familiarity with unconventional shale reservoir characterization.
• Knowledge of pore system analysis, mineralogy, organic matter imaging, or microfracture characterization.
• Experience with laboratory QA/QC systems and analytical documentation.
• Experience with image analysis or geological imaging software.
• Familiarity with core handling procedures.
• Understanding of routine core analysis (RCAL) and/or special core analysis (SCAL) methodologies.
• Experience supporting rock and fluid properties, conformance, or fluid-rock interaction projects.
• Experience measuring fluid properties such as viscosity, density, rheology, interfacial tension (IFT), emulsion characteristics, and phase behavior.
• Experience conducting wettability, relative permeability, capillary pressure, adsorption, chemical retention, or coreflood testing.
• Familiarity with surfactant, polymer, alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP), or other EOR chemical systems.
• Experience preparing and handling laboratory chemical solutions and conducting tests under established QA/QC protocols.