Process Chemist - UK

Ascensus Specialties; Stradishall; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay + bonus scheme

7% employer pension contribution

25 days holidays + bank holidays

Collaborative culture

Free parking

Job summary

Wychem, an Ascensus Specialties Company, is seeking a Process Chemist to join our operations team in Newmarket. You will bridge laboratory research and production scale, driving development and ensuring rigorous documentation under Development Lead supervision.

The role requires a proactive approach to chemical development, with strong English communication, IT literacy, and safety awareness. Collaboration across departments is essential for timely, compliant results.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry (preferably Organic Chemistry) or equivalent industry experience.
• High standard of written and spoken English.
• Excellent IT literacy with Office 365 (Excel/Word).
• Thorough understanding of handling hazardous chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and scale up processes for R&D to production, ensuring smooth transfer from lab to production.
• Perform distillations and small-scale manufacture of fine chemicals; support daily distillation room operations.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support to Operations, QC and Research for efficiency improvements.
• Maintain QC-compliant documentation and ensure accurate entry of results into ERP systems.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and enforce company safety procedures.
• Collaborate with QC, Research and Production to meet deadlines and quality standards.

Skills

Written English

Time management

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

Degree in Chemistry (organic preferred)

Tools

Distillation units operation

Job 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.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

Department: Operations

Location: Newmarket, Suffolk

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.

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.

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