Chemical Engineer Jobs

Our business is the exploration, production, refining, trading and distribution of energy. This is what we do, and we do it on a truly global scale. With a workforce of nearly 100,000 employees, BP operates with business activities and customers in more than 100 countries across six continents. Every day, we serve millions of customers around the world. We are continually looking for talented, committed and ambitious people to help us shape the face of energy for the future.

The Research and Technology team is part of the Group Chief of Staff office.

The role of Research & Technology inside BP is twofold: to provide leadership and oversight for Technology across BP; and to lead Research & Development (R&D) in emerging areas and in support of corporate renewal.

The EBI is the research institute announced in 2006 with a $500 million investment from BP, in partnership with the University of California Berkeley, the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. It is the first public-private institution of this scale, set up to develop bioscience technologies and capabilities in the production of new and cleaner energy and to underpin new material businesses for BP this emerging area.

BP is seeking to hire a Ph.D. Biochemist, Chemical Engineer, or Organic Chemist with experience working in biofuels-related chemistry for a position located at the Energy Biosciences Institute at the University of California Berkeley. This person will carry out BP research programs at Berkeley, initially focused on technology and processes for biofuels. The role also involves interfacing extensively with the EBI academic research teams at the EBI member institutions (UCB, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory).

The successful incumbent will have a command of the chemistry and structure of lignocellulose and derived intermediates and products, and a strong understanding of the relevant chemical and catalytic conversion pathways to various candidate biofuels. Familiarity with existing commercial processes will be an advantage, as will prior experience with scale up or commercialization of biochemical processes. Preference will be given to candidates with 3-5 years of related industrial experience, but recent graduates will also be considered. Familiarity with related fermentation and enzymatic pathways for these biochemical conversions will also be an asset. Familiarity with appropriate analytical techniques is highly desirable.

This role is part of a small but rapidly growing BP team at the EBI, so a demonstrated record of success in a dynamic work environment is desirable. The successful incumbent must have a demonstrated record as a self-directed achiever.

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Biochemistry with experience in biofuels chemistry

Very strong experimental skills, and demonstrated track record of innovative technology development

Excellent team player, able to build effective working relationships across teams and disciplines.

Effective communicator, who is able to work with detail and explain complex issues in simple terms.

Strong ability to influence people at all levels and challenge traditional thinking.