Senior Research Chemist 1

ICL Group; Daventry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading product development firm in Daventry is seeking a Senior Research Chemist to join their dynamic Research and Development team. This role focuses on innovative and sustainable solutions for agricultural products through laboratory experiments, formulation development, and product testing. The ideal candidate will hold a BSc. degree in Chemistry, possess strong problem-solving abilities, and have previous laboratory experience. This full-time position promises a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams to drive successful product development.

Qualifications

• BSc. Degree in a science-related field, preferably Chemistry.
• Previous laboratory experience is desirable.
• Valid UK driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments for new developments.
• Perform stability testing and analytical testing.
• Manage sample requests and coordinate with internal teams.
• Support troubleshooting for production issues.

Skills

Problem-solving abilities

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Excellent communication skills

Results-oriented

Ability to work independently

Flexibility to adapt

Education

BSc. Degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Department: Research & Development
Location: Daventry (UK)
Reports To: R&D Team Lead
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

The Company

AmegA Sciences plc (part of ICL-group) is an established company of 40 years producing niche products for the fertiliser and surfactant industry for Agricultural, Horticultural and Amenity sectors. With manufacturing facilities in Daventry, Northamptonshire.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Research Chemist to join our Research and Development team. The team is dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable solutions for agricultural and horticultural crops, as well as turf management, with a strong focus on improving nutrient and water use efficiency. This is a primarily laboratory-based position involving formulation development, product testing and performance evaluation. You will collaborate closely with R&D colleagues, production, sales & marketing to ensure successful development and scale-up.

The Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and conduct laboratory experiments independently to drive forward new development projects.
• Perform stability testing of formulations, including routine physical and chemical assessments (e.g., specific gravity, pH, viscosity).
• Conduct analytical testing, collect and document data.
• Carry out product compatibility studies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, results and conclusions.
• Present and defend project results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform IP and literature searches to stay updated on scientific knowledge.
• Complete COSHH assessments and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Manage sample requests and coordinate with internal teams.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis for production issues or customer complaints to improve first-time pass rates.
• Build strong working relationships with Quality, Production, Sales and Marketing teams to facilitate the scale-up of new formulations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• BSc. Degree in a science-related field (essential), preferably Chemistry.
• Previous laboratory experience (desirable).
• Valid UK driving license.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proactive and flexible approach to work, with the ability to adapt to changing business priorities.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of housekeeping and health & safety.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Results-oriented
• Resilience throughout long-term research projects