Oilfield Microbiology Specialist
Chicago, IL, US
- Engineering
- Full-time
- oilfield microbiology
- microbial control
- oil and gas microbiology
The Oilfield Microbiology Specialist leads research and technical projects to address microbiological challenges in oil and gas production, focusing on microbial control, monitoring, and mitigation. Responsibilities include designing laboratory studies, developing biocide treatments, collaborating with engineers and scientists, and mentoring junior staff. The role requires a Ph.D. in applied microbiology or related fields and extensive experience in the petroleum industry's microbiology applications.
Aramco energizes the world economy.
Aramco occupies a special position in the global energy industry. We are one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbon energy and chemicals, with among the lowest Upstream carbon intensities of any major producer.
With our significant investment in technology and infrastructure, we strive to maximize the value of the energy we produce for the world along with a commitment to enhance Aramco’s value to society.
Headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and with offices around the world, we combine market discipline with a generations’ spanning view of the future, born of our nine decades experience as responsible stewards of the Kingdom’s vast hydrocarbon resources. This responsibility has driven us to deliver significant societal and economic benefits to not just the Kingdom, but also to a vast number of communities, economies, and countries that rely on the vital and reliable energy that we supply.
We are one of the most profitable companies in the world, as well as amongst the top five global companies by market capitalization.
Overview
We are seeking an Oilfield Microbiology Specialist to join the Materials & Corrosion Solutions Division within Research & Analytical Services Department.
The Materials & Corrosion Solutions Division is responsible for introducing and validating new technologies, and delivering technical solutions for companywide operations.
Your primary role is to enable and lead high levels of technical services projects, and develop innovative technical solutions to control microbiology-related challenges in downhole and surface systems for sustainable energy, oil and gas production.
Key Responsibilities
As the successful candidate you will be required to perform the following:
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with proponents.
- Collaborate with field engineers and scientists from other organizations.
- Design laboratory test matrix and conduct laboratory studies.
- Conduct root-cause analysis of existing microbiology-related issues in companywide operations.
- Evaluate microbial control technologies including chemical products such as inhibitors and dissolvers.
- Investigate water compatibility issues and deliver practical solutions.
- Design and optimize biocide treatment programs.
- Identify technical gaps and initiate research projects.
- Develop new test methods and procedures.
- Play a leading role in international professional community and multidisciplinary investigation teams.
- Mentor junior engineers and scientists by setting specific goals and providing hands-on instructions.
- Lead research team development and collaboration activities with suitable collaborators and partners.
- Issue publications to peer-reviewed journals and primary international conferences.
- Support and guide in-house technologies development efforts.
Minimum Requirements
- As a successful candidate you will hold a Bachelor degree in science or engineering and a Ph.D. degree in applied microbiology, biological engineering and related disciplines.
- You will have a minimum 15 years of experience related to microbiology applications to the petroleum industry
- You will have a proven track records of research and technology development and deployment in the area of microbial control in oil and gas systems, monitoring, prevention, mitigation, modeling and prediction.
- You will be able to demonstrate knowledge in planktonic and biofilm growth simulations, sensing, microbial risk assessment, anti-biofouling technologies and materials.
- You will have hands-on laboratory skills in molecular and conventional microbiology including metagenomics, bioinformatics, biocide screening and evaluation.
- You will have the Ability to demonstrate scientific/technical performance, authority and broad technical credibility, including publications and patents.
- You will also have proven track record in initiating, guiding, and conducting advanced multidisciplinary technical projects and developments with an ability to connect technology, R&D, and operational excellence.
- You will be able to demonstrate contribution to international professional societies and committees
- You will have the ability to anticipate, appreciate, catalyze and make the most of changes and new developments.
- You will also have experience in leading R&D experts from diverse background and nationalities.
Work Location and Work Schedule
Work location: Within Saudi Arabia – To be specified in Job offer
Work schedule: Full Time - To be specified in Job offer
Job Posting Duration
Job posting start date: 12/17/2025
Job posting end date: 12/31/2026
Working environment
Our high-performing employees are drawn by the challenging and rewarding professional, technical and industrial opportunities we offer, and are remunerated accordingly.
At Aramco, our people work on truly world-scale projects, supported by investment in capital and technology that is second to none. And because, as a global energy company, we are faced with addressing some of the world’s biggest technical, logistical and environmental challenges, we invest heavily in talent development.
We have a proud history of educating and training our workforce over many decades. Employees at all levels are encouraged to improve their sector-specific knowledge and competencies through our workforce development programs – one of the largest in the world.
View this job in-app!
- Build trust with employers
- Fast-track job applications
- Stand out from the crowd
