Senior Research and Development (R&D) Chemist
Full Time $100,000 - $125,000 / yearJob Overview
Ascensus Specialties is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Senior R&D Chemist to join our team onsite in Newburyport, MA.
In this role, you will drive the innovation, design, and development of new products and advanced technologies. Applying sophisticated scientific principles and a deep level of technical expertise, this role leverages experimental design, advanced laboratory techniques, and robust analytical methods to deliver on high-priority corporate projects.
In this role, you will drive the innovation, design, and development of new products and advanced technologies. Applying sophisticated scientific principles and a deep level of technical expertise, this role leverages experimental design, advanced laboratory techniques, and robust analytical methods to deliver on high-priority corporate projects.
Working with a high degree of independence at our Newburyport facility, the Senior R&D Chemist proactively stays at the forefront of chemical research and scientific literature. This position collaborates closely with local and corporate R&D colleagues, operational teams, and quality assurance to successfully transition innovative concepts into scalable, high-quality products for Ascensus and our customers.
Safety-Sensitive Designation
Safety-Sensitive Designation
Notice: This role is explicitly designated as a Safety-Sensitive Position. Due to the operational environment and the core duties of this role—which require undivided attention, high concentration, and the handling of hazardous, air/moisture-sensitive, pyrophoric, or toxic chemical compounds—any lapse in safety or cognitive impairment poses a direct, immediate threat to the health and safety of the employee, co-workers, and the facility. Compliance with all safety protocols, continuous fit-for-duty standards, and company drug-free workplace policies is an essential function of this job.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Innovation & Scale-Up: Lead the directed development, feasibility testing, and delivery of new products and technologies, ensuring a seamless transition from lab-scale to production.
- Experimental Execution: Set up, operate, and maintain required laboratory and analytical instrumentation for R&D activities; ensure all developed products meet exact customer specifications.
- Data & Documentation: Maintain rigorous, high-quality laboratory records and utilize digital collaboration tools (e.g., Electronic Notebooks, Teams, SharePoint, Salesforce) to document daily findings and drive project engagement.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Present complex technical data clearly to peers, leadership, and non-technical stakeholders; proactively provide project updates.
- Safety & Compliance: Conduct all work in a safe, professional manner in strict accordance with SOPs. Actively participate in laboratory safety programs, including Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), audits, and waste management.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education & Experience:
- Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant industrial experience is highly desired. However, alternative education and experience will also be considered:
- A Master’s degree (M.S.) in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant industrial experience will also be considered.
- A Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline with 10+ years of progressive, relevant industrial experience will be considered for this role.
Required Competencies:
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in core chemistry concepts and technical laboratory skills.
- Problem Solving & Troubleshooting: Ability to recognize operational or experimental problems, perform root-cause analysis, and seek targeted advice for resolution.
- Data-Driven Analysis: Strong observational skills with the ability to document findings in daily reports and routinely propose data-driven improvements to R&D experiments.
- Communication & Collaboration: Proven capability to independently collect data and present findings or recommendations in a group setting. Working knowledge of collaboration tools (such as Teams, SharePoint, Salesforce, or Electronic Notebooks) to drive engagement.
- Methodology Awareness: Familiarity with modern development techniques, tools, and processes (e.g., Stage-Gate, Design for Six Sigma, Design Thinking, or Lean principles).