R&D Scientist

Yoh Life Sciences is hiring for a R&D Polymer Scientist in Houston, TX. This role will focus on the formulation, synthesis, and scale-up of water-soluble polymers utilizing emulsion polymerization, with an emphasis on developing products that improve operational performance in oil and gas environments. The ideal candidate will have a strong laboratory research background, experience taking formulations from bench-scale to manufacturing, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges through chemistry and innovation.
 
Title: R&D Polymer Scientist
Duration: Permanent
Pay: $90,000 - 120,000 DOE
Location: Houston, TX
Shift: M-F 8-5pm

Essential Responsibilities:

• Design, synthesize, and optimize water-soluble polymer formulations utilizing emulsion polymerization techniques.
• Develop new polymer technologies and improve existing formulations to support oilfield and water treatment applications.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments to evaluate polymer performance, stability, and processing characteristics.
• Lead formulation development from proof-of-concept through pilot production and commercial manufacturing scale-up.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer and commercialization of new products.
• Analyze experimental data and make technical recommendations to improve product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing, and manufacturing challenges while developing practical, data-driven solutions.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, technical reports, and experimental records.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Technical Services, and Commercial teams to support product launches and customer needs.
• Stay current with emerging polymer technologies, raw materials, and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process optimization, and cost reduction.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in:
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Chemistry
  • or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of industry experience in polymer research and development.
• Demonstrated experience with emulsion polymerization (required).
• Experience developing water-soluble polymer formulations for oilfield or industrial applications.
• Proven success in formulation development and laboratory research—not solely product testing or technical service.
• Experience supporting product scale-up from laboratory development to commercial manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of polymer synthesis, formulation science, and reaction chemistry.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing polymers for:
  • Produced water treatment
  • Oilfield chemicals
  • Hydraulic fracturing
  • Water management
  • Enhanced oil recovery (EOR)
  • Industrial water treatment
• Knowledge of acrylamide, acrylic acid, cationic and anionic polymer systems.
• Experience with rheology, molecular weight characterization, particle size analysis, and polymer performance testing.
• Familiarity with DOE (Design of Experiments) and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience transferring products from R&D into manufacturing environments.

#IND-SPG

Estimated Min Rate: $90000.00
Estimated Max Rate: $120000.00


What’s In It for You?
We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh’s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh’s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh’s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements. Benefits include:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

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