R&D Chemist - Drilling Fluids

About the role

Oil Chemistry Industrial Company is looking for an R&D Chemist for drilling fluids in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The role develops and improves drilling fluid additives such as viscosifiers, fluid-loss agents, shale inhibitors and lubricants for HPHT and water-sensitive formations, supporting field trials with operators across the GCC.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and improve drilling fluid additives for HPHT and water-sensitive formations, supporting field trials with operators across the GCC
• Design and run laboratory programs to formulate and optimize drilling fluid chemistries
• Perform API 13A / 13B rheology, fluid loss, HTHP and aging tests on candidate formulations
• Scale promising formulations from bench to pilot with the Reaction Facility team
• Investigate field complaints and competitor products and propose reformulations
• Prepare technical data sheets, lab reports and patent/IP documentation
• Support customer technical trials together with Technical Sales

Required profile

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering
• 3+ years in drilling fluids, oilfield chemicals or specialty chemicals R&D
• Experience with mud engineering or oilfield lab practice is a strong plus

Required skills

• Working knowledge of API 13A/13B test methods and OCMA standards
• Rheometers, HTHP filter press, aging cells and standard mud lab instruments
• Formulation design and DOE (design of experiments)
• Technical report writing in English
• Data analysis (Excel; lab information systems)