Analytical Science: Optical Spectroscopist

About us

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living and a net-zero future. As one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies.

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together .

ExxonMobil is based out of the Houston Area in Spring, Texas. We are accepting applications for our 2026 intern and co-op season for various engineering disciplines across the U.S.

About Houston

ExxonMobil's state-of-the-art campus north of Houston serves as home to its Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses and their associated service groups. The facility opened in 2014 and accommodates more than 10,000 employees and visitors.
By bringing many global functional groups together, the campus provides employees with the tools and capabilities needed today, and in the future, to achieve business objectives and accelerate the discovery of new resources, technologies and products. It was designed to foster improved collaboration, creativity and innovation and enhance the company’s ability to attract, develop and retain the top talent in the industry.
The campus is located in Spring, Texas, on 385 wooded acres immediately to the west of Interstate Highway 45 (I-45), at the intersection of I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road, approximately 25 miles from the cultural vibrancy of downtown Houston.
The campus was constructed to the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Its design incorporates extensive research into best practices in building and workplace design through extensive benchmarking of the world’s top academic, research, and corporate facilities.
Learn more about what we do in Houston .

What role you will play in the team

• Champion optical spectroscopy technologies and its advanced applications for R&D and business.
• Solve problems in energy industry using advanced optical spectroscopy, in combination with adjacent analytical techniques (e.g. NMR, chomatography, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis).
• Develop analytical methods or characterization protocols in optical spectroscopy and related characterization fields.

What you will do

• Technical leadership and problem solving in energy transition using optical spectroscopy and other analytical approaches (e.g. NMR, chromatography, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis).
• Advance research and develop new analytical technologies and methodologies to solve complex technical and scientific problems with creative and independent scientific thinking. Independently drive and lead scientific, strategic and operational aspects of studies to completion.
• Develop advanced optical spectroscopic methodology and data analysis strategy to enable R&D and deploy methods and tools to support business
• Utilize analytical capabilities to advance research program by meeting key program deliverables.
• Provide technical expertise in supporting established test methods as test method owner.
• Contribute to publications by conducting independent research and collaboratively within multidisciplinary matrix environment.
• Operate effectively in a multidisciplinary matrix research environment, providing leadership and insight in the discipline. This role demands a significant experience of interacting with both internal and external collaborators.
• Remain current in the field of optical spectroscopy through literature, scientific meetings, and seminars. Prepare written, verbal and visual materials for internal presentations and external scientific meetings.
• Familiarity with analysis of hydrocarbons, carbon products (e.g. carbon fiber, graphitic materials, coke), biological materials (e.g. algae, cellulose and their conversion products) is a plus.

About you

Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related fields; with 2+ years’ experience in optical spectroscopy method development.
• Proficiency in fundamental understanding and operations of different optical spectroscopies, including FT-IR, FT-NIR, Raman, Fluorescence, UV-Vis etc and related microscopy techniques.
• Proficiency in multivariate analysis techniques (Chemometrics), data processing skills, statistical analysis, and programing skills (e.g. Matlab, Python) are preferred.
• Advanced understanding and application of principles, concepts, and practices of analytical chemistry is required.
• Excellent foundation in technical problem solving skills to assist in troubleshooting for sample, method or equipment issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills such as communication, relationship building, initiative, adaptable, positive attitude, and team building.
• Highly self-motivated, with excellent attention to detail and strong organizational and communication (oral and written) skills.

Preferred Qualifications/ Experience

• Work experience in chemical and biochemical industry or research laboratories preferred.
• Experience and understanding of hydrocarbon based products, properties/ structure relationship preferred.
• Track record in poster and oral presentations in major conferences.
• Track record in publications, patents and/or technical articles.
• Flexibility, curiosity and openness for new projects and responsibilities.

Your total rewards

An ExxonMobil career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life.

More information on our Company’s benefits can be found at

Please note benefits may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

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EEO statement

ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

Nothing herein is intended to override the corporate separateness of local entities. Working relationships discussed herein do not necessarily represent a reporting connection, but may reflect a functional guidance, stewardship, or service relationship.

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Job ID: 81845