Ascensus Specialties
Process Chemist - UK
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Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Department: Operations
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk
Description
Wychem, an Ascensus Specialties Company, is seeking a Process Chemist to join our operations team. Reporting directly to the Development Lead, you will be essential to our new operations and the evolution of both new and existing processes and products. This role requires a proactive approach to chemical development, bridging the gap between laboratory research and production scale through technical expertise and rigorous documentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Development & Scale-Up: Undertake development projects to aid R&D in the successful scale-up of research-scale concepts to full production-scale manufacturing.
- Manufacturing & Distillation: Perform distillations and small-scale manufacture of fine chemicals; support the Development Lead in the day-to-day operations of the distillation room.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Provide critical support to Operations, QC, and Research in problem-solving and troubleshooting to ensure operational efficiency.
- Documentation & Compliance: Ensure total compliance with the company’s QC system, Policies, SOPs, and WIs. Review and check technical documentation and enter results accurately into the ERP system.
- Safety & Lab Stewardship: Maintain the Process laboratory in a safe manner, ensuring personal and collective welfare through strict adherence to company safety procedures.
- Collaboration: Liaise closely with QC, Research, and Production departments. Build strong working relationships with employees, auditors, and clients to ensure tasks are completed within specified timescales.
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Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Education: A degree in Chemistry (preferably Organic Chemistry) or equivalent industry experience.
- Technical Skill: Hands-on experience with the operation of distillation units and small-scale fine chemical manufacture.
- Communication: A high standard of written and spoken English.
- IT Literacy: Excellent working knowledge of Office 365, particularly Excel and Word.
- Chemical Safety: A thorough understanding of the risks associated with handling and working around hazardous chemicals.
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Required Competencies
- Time Management: Ability to perform under pressure and meet strict, short deadlines while remaining flexible to changing requirements.
- Team Synergy: As part of a small team, you must be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, and possess the interpersonal skills necessary to drive the company forward.
- Confidentiality: Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding privileged information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience within the fine chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations.
- A proven track record of troubleshooting within a fine chemical production environment.
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay + company bonus scheme
- 7% employer pension contribution
- 25 days holidays + bank holidays
- Collaborative culture
- Free parking
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