Senior Research and Development (R&D) Chemist

Ascensus Specialties • Newburyport, MA

9h • $100,000 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• Demonstrated proficiency in core chemistry concepts and technical laboratory skills.
• Ability to recognize operational or experimental problems, perform root-cause analysis, and seek targeted advice for resolution.
• Strong observational skills with the ability to document findings in daily reports and routinely propose data-driven improvements to R&D experiments.
• 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.
• Familiarity with modern development techniques, tools, and processes (e.g., Stage-Gate, Design for Six Sigma, Design Thinking, or Lean principles).

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant industrial experience is highly desired.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the directed development, feasibility testing, and delivery of new products and technologies, ensuring a seamless transition from lab-scale to production.
• Set up, operate, and maintain required laboratory and analytical instrumentation for R&D activities; ensure all developed products meet exact customer specifications.
• 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.
• Present complex technical data clearly to peers, leadership, and non-technical stakeholders; proactively provide project updates.
• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Short-term/Long-term Disability coverage
• 100% company match up to the first 3% of employee contributions for 401k; 70% match on contributions between 3% and 6%.
• Vacation & Floating Holidays
• Sick Leave
• 9 paid company holidays (paid at 8 hours each) + 24 hours of floating holidays per calendar year.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available immediately upon hire

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree