Job Title: Heterogeneous Catalyst Technologist
Location: Dalian, China
Business Unit: Group Technology

Description:

BP's Clean Energy Facing The Future (CEFTF) programme was launched in 2001 and aimed at developing the expertise in Tsinghua University and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) as applied to clean energy technologies and novel conversion processes. BP has recently approved its expansion project at DICP to enable more energy related innovation projects to enter the pipeline and their economic and commercial potential assessed for BP. This new activity is called the Energy Innovation Laboratory (EIL).

DICP have made major advances on a number of technology projects of interest to BP in the sector of clean energy, novel hydrogen production, clean fuels, catalytic conversion of natural gas, coal and syngas , separations technologies (zeolite membranes) and biomass conversion.

A “hopper” of innovative conversion technologies has been developed which are now being researched to define their technical and economic merit. BP has located new and advanced evaluation equipment in the EIL including fully automated microreactors, CSTR's, catalyst preparation equipment and analytical capabilities.

The GRT Team is a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, technologists and commercial specialists, based primarily in the UK and China . The key competencies and activities covered are:

1. Developing and maintaining access to leading conversion technologies via a combination of partnerships and in-house developments;
2. Delivering successful project options for our Business Unit customers;
3. Developing awareness of emerging conversion technologies that impact the energy sector.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Director of EIL and Chief Scientist to priorities and manage key research projects with our partners in DICP and manage certain aspects of proprietary research.
• Develop innovative process concepts and evaluate through the BP Appraisal tools and engineers to understand economics and opportunity for deployment. Draft research proposals on topics approved for evaluation.
• Continue to develop the heterogenous catalysis skills within the team in Dalian and act as trainer and mentor to younger staff coming through the organisation as recruitment builds up in 2008/2009 in preparation for the EIL lab opening in 2010.
• Develop and enhance the catalyst preparation laboratory working closely with DICP partners to build on innovative materials and transfer technology protocols to third party manufacturers where appropriate (partnership projects)
• Work with DICP and the Director of EIL to actively promote BP's HSSE culture and operate to the best standards in the laboratory at all times. No harm to people or environment.

Experience and requirements :

* 5-10 years relevant work experience in heterogeneous catalysis and process development. Operating various kinds of catalyst test equipment or separation/distillation equipment would be desirable
* Good understanding of key stages in process development from bench to pilot scale
* Familiarity with new technology development in refining, chemicals and energy sector
* Excellent analytical skills
* Prior knowledge of catalyst development and scale-up will be beneficial
* Record of good safety and environmental focus on projects
* Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills
* Good team player

Education :

Minimum BS c in Chemistry or Science discipline and a PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis is required.

Languages Needed:

English - Fluent
Mandarin - Fluent