Analytical Research Associate

  • BP
  • San Diego, California
  • Full Time

Entity:

Technology

Job Family Group:

Research & Technology Group

Job Description:

The Fuels and Low Carbon Technology (F&LCT) is a team of over 300 technologists, scientists and engineers who provide pioneering solutions to support bps Fuels, Refining, Bioenergy and Hydrogen businesses. We also support the Technology group through Innovation Management, Modelling, Digital Science and our academic research programmes.

The Bioenergy & Hydrogen Technology team (B&HT) will bring together scientists and engineers dedicated to delivering low carbon energy solutions that align with bps strategy while also supporting the technological needs of our oil and gas projects. The team works across many bps businesses supporting areas such as novel feedstocks, biofuels and advanced biofuels, and hydrogen.

The opportunity

The successful candidate will join a group of interactive scientists and should have strong communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills, with a strong interest in the pursuit of scientific discovery. The Analytical Research Associate will collaborate closely with the analytical, synthetic biology and fermentation teams. Their responsibilities will encompass the analysis of large and small molecule samples generated onsite, meticulously maintaining laboratory records, operating advanced analytical equipment, and communicating findings to the team.

This position requires extensive hands-on work at the bench with recent experience of independently delivering experimental results. The ideal candidate will demonstrate interdisciplinary problem-solving abilities and scientific analytical skills, striving to ensure safe and compliant experimental practices and fostering an HSSE culture.

Key accountabilities

  • Work safely and autonomously within a laboratory environment
  • Adapt quickly to new techniques and protocols, assist in the development of new analytical methods
  • Independently perform sample preparation and instrumental analysis, employing chromatographic methods like liquid, gas, and ion chromatography linked with mass spectrometry.
  • Conduct thorough compositional feedstock analyses
  • Contribute to multiple experiments and projects concurrently, working in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment, both independently and within a project team
  • Assess data quality, interpret data, and communicate scientific findings clearly, both in written reports and oral presentations
  • Thorough data and experimentation record keeping
  • Support HSSE requirements for operation and maintenance
  • Promote safety initiatives and champion compliance with bps Code of Conduct

Education: M.S. (Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry) and/or B.S. (Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry), 2 years of relevant experience

Essential criteria

  • Experience in developing and optimizing analytical methods for a diverse range of analytes (e.g., small molecules, proteins, fermentation products) in complex matrices using various analytical instruments such as HPLC, IC, and GC coupled to MS
  • Ability to deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting and problem-solving
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent safety record and adherence to complex standard operating procedures
  • Effective communication skills to anticipate project needs, estimate resource requirements, and collaborate with teams
  • Demonstrates strong "One Team" behaviors, including supporting colleagues, fostering capability development, recognizing contributions of others, and prioritizing team success
  • Exhibits strong "Respect" behaviors, such as valuing diverse perspectives, fostering trust through open communication, and creating an inclusive workplace environment

Desirable Criteria

  • Experience with Agilent instrumentation, including UHPLC, LC-MS (QQQ, QTOF), micro-GC, GC-MS, ICP-OES and software like OpenLab CDS and MassHunter
  • Familiarity with Thermo IC-MS instrumentation and Chromeleon software
  • Familiarity with compositional feedstock analysis techniques, including elemental analysis (ICP-OES, CHNS)

Why join us

At bp, we support our people to learn and grow in a diverse and exciting environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected and treated fairly.

There are many aspects of our employees lives that are important, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life. These benefits can include flexible working options, a generous paid parental leave policy, and excellent retirement benefits, among others!

How much do we pay ? 78- 112K. *Note that the base pay range listed for this position is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation at the time of posting. This position is eligible for US Benefits Core. This position offers paid vacation depending on your years of relevant industry experience and will range from 120-240 hours if vacation per year for full time employees (60-240 hours of vacation per year for part time employees). You will also be eligible for 9 paid holidays per year and 2 personal choice holidays. You may learn more about how we calculate paid vacation and view our generous benefits at Core U.S. Benefits SPD . Bp has a paternal leave policy as well, which offers up to 8 weeks paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. Learn more by visiting Core U.S. Benefits SPD . We offer a reward and wellbeing package to enable your work to fit with your life. These offerings includes a discretionary annual bonus program, long-term incentive program, and a generous 401K matching program. You may learn more about our generous benefits at Core U.S. Benefits SPD . As a part of bps wellbeing package bp offers access to health, vision and dental insurance, as well as short-term disability and long-term disability. You may learn more about our generous benefits at Core U.S. Benefits SPD .

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Travel Requirement

Negligible travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Agility core practices, Analytical Thinking, Bioprocess Design, Catalysis (Inactive), Chemical kinetic modelling, Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Curiosity, Experimental Design, Group Problem Solving, Industry technology knowledge, Intellectual Asset Management, Life cycle and circularity, Multi-physics modelling, New process technology scale-up, Novel process development, Pilot and demonstration plant operation, Presenting, Process Safety Engineering, Science and Technology Leadership, Scientific publication, Talent Matching, Technoeconomic evaluation of processes, Thermophysical modelling, Thought Leadership

Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bps recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us .

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.

Job ID: 487278812
Originally Posted on: 7/29/2025

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