Senior Research Chemist I

ICL Group; Daventry; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

AmegA Sciences plc (part of ICL-group) in Daventry is seeking a Senior Research Chemist to join the R&D team and drive formulation development, testing, and performance evaluation in a laboratory-based role. You will collaborate with R&D, production, sales and marketing to ensure successful development and scale-up of new formulations.

The role emphasises stability testing, analytical work, COSHH compliance, and robust record-keeping, with a focus on delivering sustainable agricultural solutions.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and conduct laboratory experiments independently to drive forward new development projects.
• Perform stability testing of formulations, including 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; write up new methodology and reports.
• Participate in project teams as a team member.
• 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.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independence

Teamwork

Flexibility

Health & safety awareness

Housekeeping standards

Education

BSc in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

AmegA Sciences plc (part of ICL-group) is an established company of 40 years producing specialty 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 differentivity 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and conduct laboratory experiments independently to drive forward new development projects.
• Perform stability testing of formulations, including 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. This includes writing up new methodology and reports
• Participate in project teams as a team member.
• 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.

The Requirements

Qualifications

• BSc. Degree in a science-related field (essential), preferably Chemistry or Biochemistry
• 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
• Resilience throughout long-term research projects