Senior Chemist / Laboratory Supervisor – Petroleum Testing

About the role

The position leads analytical programs in a petroleum testing laboratory, ensuring high‑level technical expertise and compliance with international standards. The role supports the lab’s quality assurance, data integrity, and continuous improvement while providing expert advice to refinery operations.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory tests on crude oil, heavy fuel oil, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene and water following ASTM, ISO, IP and local specifications.
• Record, interpret and report test results, producing accurate test reports.
• Participate as a technical expert in internal, client and ISO 17025 accreditation audits.
• Act as deputy to the lab manager, coordinating shifts, work groups and validation of results.
• Maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, calibrate instruments and oversee calibration procedures.
• Implement statistical quality control programs to meet ISO 17025 requirements.
• Provide timely analytical advice to the refinery operations department.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations, company policies and relevant legal requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• 7‑10 years of experience in a petroleum refinery or petrochemical testing laboratory.
• Hands‑on experience in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of petroleum refining processes and relevant test methods (ASTM, IP, ISO 8217, DEF STAN 91‑091, Naphtha Dow).
• Proficiency in English and Portuguese.

Required skills

• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‑OES)
• High‑Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas Chromatography (GC)
• Ion chromatography
• Lubricity testing
• Thermal oxidation testing
• Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test (JFTOT)
• Statistical evaluation of analytical results
• Quality control and inter‑laboratory cross‑check programs
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and related computer tools