Performance Testing Chemist

Overview

JOB TITLE: Performance Testing Chemist
DEPARTMENT: Technology
REPORTS TO: SME Analytical and Performance Testing Manager

The Performance Testing Chemist is responsible for conducting, developing, and interpreting corrosion and scale performance evaluations using RCA (Rotating Cage Autoclave), RCE (Rotating Cylinder Electrode), and DSL (Dynamic Scale Loop) testing platforms. This role supports upstream and midstream oil & gas chemical programs by generating high-quality data that validates product performance, supports field decisions, and optimizes product development of raw materials.

The chemist will work closely with technical, R&D, and field operations teams to optimize chemical treatments for corrosion, scale, and asset integrity applications. Additionally, this role may work across multiple product lines including flow assurance, production chemicals, midstream treatments, and pipeline integrity chemicals completing typical performance testing.

• RCA / RCE / DSL Performance Testing
• • Perform corrosion inhibitor testing using:
  • • RCA – high-pressure/high-temperature corrosion and erosion-corrosion evaluations by weight loss and pitting analysis.
    • RCE – electrochemical corrosion rate testing, LPR, EIS, and weight-loss studies.
  • Perform scale inhibitor testing using:
  • • DSL testing to evaluate scale inhibition performance under controlled temperature, pressure, and shear environments.
  • Prepare brines, crude blends, scaling mixtures, and corrosion coupons according to test design requirements.
  • Maintain test equipment (RCA vessels, RCE assemblies, DSL pumps and reactors) and ensure proper calibration, pressure testing, and safety compliance.
  • Interpret corrosion and scale data, including rates, morphology, deposition characteristics, and chemical performance trends.
• Analytical & Instrumentation Work
  • Use analytical tools to support test interpretation such as:
  • • ICP, IC, FTIR, XRF, XRD, titration systems or supported by Analytical Lab
    • LPR potentiostats, conductivity meters, pH probes, viscometers
• Perform solids characterization, scale composition determination, and corrosion product analysis.
• Validate and document test precision, repeatability, and method reliability.
• Technical Support
  • Support customers, technical, sales and manufacturing with data-driven recommendations for corrosion and scale inhibitor selection.
  • Provide technical interpretation for field trials, customer troubleshooting, and product optimization, as needed.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports, test summaries, and customer-facing performance presentations, as needed.
  • Collaborate with field personnel to align laboratory testing with real operational conditions.
• Method Development & Continuous Improvement
  • Develop or improve test protocols for RCA, RCE, and DSL based on evolving field needs.
  • Benchmark internal performance against competitive products and industry standards.
  • Evaluate new equipment, materials, and test automation to enhance lab capabilities.
• Safety & Quality Assurance
  • Follow all laboratory safety, high-pressure operations, and chemical handling protocols.
  • Work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
  • Follow all tenets of the Responsible Care Management System and the Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security Policy for Dorf Ketal.
  • Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
  • Participate in audits, SOP updates, and method validation exercises.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related science or engineering discipline
• Experience/
  
  Skills:
  • Required:
    • 3 – 7 years of oil and gas upstream and midstream experience in field and laboratory.
    • Familiarity with corrosion mechanisms, water chemistry, and scale mineralogy.
    • Good understanding of corrosion, scale and other chemical related applications in OFC treating and applications.
  • Preferred:
    • Hands-on experience with RCA, RCE, DSL, or related HPHT corrosion/scale equipment.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
  • Must be able to lift 70 pounds and safely handle laboratory equipment.