Associate Scientist, Surfactants

Role details

Divisions of Locus Fermentation Solutions

Title:

Associate Scientist, Surfactants

Company:

Locus Bio-Energy, Ingredients, Mining

Status:

Exempt

Reports To:

VP Technology

What you’ll be doing

We are seeking an enthusiastic Associate Scientist to support research and product development activities in a fast‑paced laboratory environment. In this role, you will conduct laboratory testing, participate in experimental design under the guidance of senior scientists, and assist with method development and data analysis. You will ensure high standards of safety, documentation, and technical execution while contributing to meaningful scientific outcomes.

As an early‑career scientific contributor, you will gain experience with experimental design, advanced instrumentation, and cross‑functional collaboration. The Associate Scientist also supports internal knowledge generation by contributing to invention disclosures, publications, and presentations. This role provides a strong foundation for growth into Scientist and Senior Scientist positions.

Location

The Woodlands, TX.

Essential Job Functions Related to Surfactants

• Prepare surfactant samples, solutions, and formulations according to established test methods and protocols.

• Conduct physical and chemical testing of surfactants, including but not limited to:

• Surface tension measurements

• Interfacial tension testing

• Foam generation and stability analysis

• Wetting and spreading evaluations

• Emulsion stability testing

• Viscosity and rheology measurements

• pH, density, and conductivity analysis

• Maintain chemical and sample inventory.

• Perform or adapt application-specific performance testing according to established test methods and protocols to demonstrate performance advantages of biosurfactant technologies versus conventional surfactants.

• Assist with the development of laboratory programs that correlate field performance and production outcomes, including but not limited to analyzing treatment, production, flowback, and tracer data to validate technology effectiveness and identify optimization opportunities.

• Participate in the development of differentiated biosurfactant-based surfactant technologies across multiple industries including energy, mining, specialty ingredients, establish product performance specifications and quality requirements for commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Product Development (70%)

• Perform highly complex, non‑routine, and specialized testing requiring expert‑level skill.

• Plan and execute experiments, DOE, and method improvements aligned to project goals.

• Operate and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation; ensure data quality and reproducibility.

• Translate findings into actionable recommendations for scale‑up or product decisions.

• Lead major equipment maintenance, optimization, and troubleshooting efforts.

• Adhere to established lab practices for new product development, stability, and commercialization.

• Identify opportunities to improve testing workflows and reliability.

• Create SOPs and contribute feedback for improvements when needed.

• Contribute to invention disclosures, publications, and presentations as appropriate.

Data Management and Communication (20%)

• Maintain accurate lab records- including lab notebooks, electronic files, and equipment logs- according to laboratory and organizational standards.

• Lead the upkeep of calibration logs, maintenance records, and equipment usage documentation.

• Record test data, observations, and results clearly and promptly within project systems.

• Communicate advanced data insights, trends, and recommendations to scientists and leadership.

• Review and validate documentation from junior team members.

• Contribute to invention disclosures, publications, and presentations as appropriate.

Safety & Compliance (5%)

• Model best practices in chemical hygiene and HSE; drive continuous improvement in safety culture.

• Follow chemical hygiene, PPE, and HSE requirements.

• Support audit readiness and good laboratory housekeeping.

• Ensure data traceability and support audit readiness.

Laboratory Leadership, Mentorship and Collaboration (5%)

• Provide informal leadership and technical support to junior team members.

• Lead training programs for equipment, documentation, and testing techniques.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the laboratory.

• Support lab organization, supply planning, and equipment readiness.

• Support data integrity and internal knowledge transfer among lab staff.

• Partner across functions to progress project milestones.

• Communicate complex results and risks clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Support equipment readiness, calibration, and workflow efficiency.

• Support method refinement, experimental direction, data integrity and internal knowledge transfer among lab staff.

Scope & Autonomy

• Contributes to experiments and data generation across one or more projects.

• Works under general supervision; seeks guidance for non-routine methods and analysis.

Qualifications & Requirements

• BS Engineering or Chemistry required with 10 years of lab experience; or MS with 2+ years of lab experience.

• Strong documentation discipline and attention to detail.

• Emerging capability in method development and instrumentation.

• Commitment to safety, data integrity, and scientific rigor.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per shift)

• Frequent use of hands and fingers for fine motor tasks including pipetting, sample preparation, equipment operation, and data entry.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds

• Visual acuity (near vision and color differentiation) to read instruments, labels, and test results.

• Ability to work with a computer and laboratory instrumentation for extended periods

• Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and kneeling

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coat, eye protection, face shield, and respirator where required.

• Ability to work in environments with chemicals, biological materials, odors, and varying noise levels.

• Capability to respond to alarms, equipment signals, and safety notification

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting and may include exposure to chemicals, biological materials, and laboratory reagents.

• Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in designated areas

• May involve work near laboratory instrumentation, moving mechanical parts, or production equipment

• Exposure to noise levels, odors, fumes, airborne particles, or vibrations typical of laboratory or manufacturing environments

• Temperature conditions may vary, including climate-controlled areas, refrigerated environments, or proximity to heat-generating equipment

• Work may involve handling hazardous materials in accordance with established safety procedures and regulatory standards

• Requires strict adherence to company safety policies, quality systems, and standard operating procedures including chemical hygiene procedures and laboratory housekeeping practices.

• Frequent interaction with team members across quality, production, engineering, and administrative functions

• Work is primarily performed on-site; remote work is not applicable

• Occasional travel.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary

• Medical/Dental/Vison Benefits

• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Volunteer Hours

• Annual allowance of Floating Holidays

• Tuition Assistance and Continuing Education Reimbursement Policy