Principal Chemist

Disclaimer: SLB completed the acquisition of ChampionX on July 16, 2025. If selected for this position, your employment will begin with ChampionX and will transition to SLB as part of the planned integration.

We are seeking a Principal Chemist in our Production Chemical Technologies – Production Maximization team located in Calgary, Alberta to develop products satisfying both business and customer needs with a focus on Production Maximization Chemicals.

The Principal Chemist will be responsible for performing and leading research, development, and problem-solving projects to enable new product development. The ideal candidate is highly versatile, communicates effectively, and thrives in a collaborate environment.

What’s in it For You:

• The opportunity to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve their production goals through production maximization

• The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth

• Thrive in a company that values sustainability, drives a safety-focused culture and empowers its employees through continuous improvement

• The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best

• Comprehensive benefits package– medical, dental, vision, matching Pension Plan, and more!

What You Will Do:

• Perform work in a safe manner while identifying opportunities for improving safety

• Lead and execute innovation and technical support projects in the area of Production Maximization

• Support the Production Maximization team on field qualifications

• Design, conduct, and interpret laboratory tests to support key customer projects

• Collaborate with other scientists and research groups on new development projects

• Interpret experimental data and communicate results clearly to peers and project teams in written reports and oral presentations

• Protect intellectual property, publish and/or present research findings

• Work effectively in a team environment with cross-functional members

• Provide consulting on experimental design, mentoring, and work direction for junior lab scientists.

• Travel, including overnight visit to oilfield and customer sites.

Position Details:

• The candidate must reside in Calgary, AB or surrounding areas.

• Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role.

• This is a safety-sensitive position, and the successful candidate will be required to complete drug and alcohol testing.

• This role requires the individual to be clean-shaven to comply with safety requirements and occasional use of breathing apparatus.

• Role is based on 40 hours per week and will require occasional travelling to oilfields and sites for customer support.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and experience should be at a minimum:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of industrial R&D experience; Or

  • Master’s Degree and 3 years of industrial R&D experience; Or

  • Ph.D. and 0 years of industrial R&D experience

• Frequent travel to the oilfield is required; longer working hours are expected during traveling.

• In-depth knowledge/experience in polymer chemistry, chemical engineering principles.

• Strong project management and time management skills

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Valid driver license and clean abstract are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of experience in oilfield chemicals, Advanced degree preferred

• In-depth knowledge in polymer chemistry, colloid and interfacial science, chemical engineering principles

• Strong understanding of test methods for emulsion breakers, reverse emulsion breakers, coagulant, flocculant and other water treatment chemicals etc.

• Product formulation/development experience from benchtop to commercialization  

• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills

• Working knowledge of statistics.

Physical Demand:

• Capability of carrying/lifting maximum 23 kg of weight

About Us:

ChampionX is now part of SLB, a global technology company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. As innovators, that’s been our mission for nearly a century.

We are a technology company that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all. As innovators, that’s been our mission for nearly a century. Today, we face a global imperative to create a future with more energy, but less carbon. Our diverse, innovative change makers are focused on going further in innovation and inventing the new energy technologies we need to get there.

For more news and information, visit SLB.com.

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Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

We believe the best teams are diverse and inclusive, and we are on a journey to create a workplace where every employee can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement on the basis of individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.