ExxonMobil Chemical Europe Inc.
Global Chemical Research
Position Description: Heterogeneous Catalysis Researcher

Job Description

• The new Professional will be responsible in the catalyst research team for characterization and testing of heterogeneous catalysts.
• Responsible for developing fundamental relationships between material properties and performance. The learnings will be used to improve existing catalytic materials and processes, and to develop new catalytic technologies.
• The person will carry out the work in the Het. Cat. Department at the Machelen European Technology Center (ETC) in Belgium.

Primary Functions

• Supervise performance testing of catalysts in lab & pilot reactors equipped with on line analytics.
• Develop a fundamental understanding of the correlation of catalyst performance and catalyst properties to provide guidance on improving catalyst properties and catalytic processes.
• These tools are run in High Throughput mode, thus requiring skills in High Throughput Research or the willingness to learn them.
• Interface with catalyst scale-up R&D (Internal and with third parties).
• Interface with Process Research and Plant operations.
• Supervise lab technicians
• Monitor relevant scientific & patent literature; attend symposia and interact with third parties involved in catalysis research.
• Document and present research findings

Preferred Candidates will have:
Areas of expertise or experience include:

• Prime field of expertise is Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis R&D.
• Has solid knowledge in area of catalyst characterization and catalyst testing.
• Knowledge of Material Synthesis is beneficial but not required.
• Conducted research on catalyst properties and relation with performance: kinetic and reaction mechanistic studies using batch and flow reactors.
• Is interested in applied catalysis research with a strong focus on catalyst fundamentals; likes to address research with high degree of challenge – creativity & innovative approaches are key.
  - Experienced in defining, setting-up and executing research program
  - Has been involved in experimental work on lab scale
  - Has worked with Lab Technicians
• Good knowledge of High Throughput Experimentation and use of statistical programs for conducting High Throughput Experimentation
  - Experience with modeling beneficial but not a base requirement
• Working in a Global Team (Team Player): Skilled in reporting, presenting and documenting his/her work

Job Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

 You can apply for this position via our on-line application system.