Senior R&D Chemist

Application Deadline: 11 July 2026

Department: R&D

Location: Evans City, PA

Compensation: $80,000 - $110,000 / year

Description

Applies advanced scientific principles and expertise in the design and development of new products and technologies for Ascensus and our customers. Leverages experimental design, scientific principles, laboratory techniques, analytical methods, and guidance from personal and shared sources of subject matter relevant in the delivery on assigned projects. Works collaboratively with internal R&D colleagues, operations, and quality with a high degree of independence. Experienced in finding relevant detailed scientific literature for informed research and proactively maintains awareness of advances in relevant chemistry and scientific principles.

Safety-Sensitive Designation

Notice: This role is explicitly designated as a Safety-Sensitive Position. Due to the operational environment and the core duties of this role—which require undivided attention, high concentration, and the handling of hazardous, air/moisture-sensitive, pyrophoric, or toxic chemical compounds—any lapse in safety or cognitive impairment poses a direct, immediate threat to the health and safety of the employee, co-workers, and the facility. Compliance with all safety protocols, continuous fit-for-duty standards, and company drug-free workplace policies is an essential function of this job.

Key Responsibilities

• Highly proficient in lab and production equipment set up and related activities.
• Leads development and mentors others on how to deliver new products and technologies from R&D to production efforts to meet customer requirements.
• Maintains high quality lab records and follows all standard operating procedures. Writes clear and concise technology and progress reports.
• Presents highly detailed results to peers, managers, and non-technical audiences. Proactively seeks opportunities to update stakeholders on projects and new technologies.
• Maintains a clean, uncluttered, work area at all times.
• Conducts all work in a safe and professional manner. Follows all safety principles and uses all required PPE in conducting work. Actively participates in the development of safety programs for the lab (Job Hazard Analysis, Audits, Waste Management.)
• Ensures all developed products meet analytical, application and functional performance targets as defined per customer requirements.
• Leverages all available sources of scientific information (e.g. literature, internal reports, subject matter experts, patents, articles, A.I., etc.) in the feasibility and directed design stages of product development.
• Makes strong observations, suggestions, or improvements for R&D experiments.
• Attends approved meetings, seminars, and educational opportunities
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Demonstrates an advanced proficiency in chemistry and technical skills.
• Highly proficient in lab and production equipment set up and related activities.
• Advanced understanding of the use and maintenance of R&D and analytical instrumentation.
• Recognizes problems and troubleshoots using root cause analysis.
• Skilled at making strong and frequent observations, documenting them in reports daily.
• Routinely makes strong data driven suggestions for improvements to R&D experiments.
• Highly experienced in working with and developing products which may have special hazards (air sensitive, moisture sensitive, pyrophoric, high energy, toxic, high potency, etc.). Mentors others on working with such products.
• Advocates for innovation and improvement at multiple levels. Leads others to do the same.
• Proven skilled innovative problem solver.
• Adept in presenting findings and making strong data-driven recommendations in a group setting.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of collaboration tools (e.g. Teams, Salesforce, SharePoint, electronic notebooks, etc.) to drive engagement and deliver results.
• Consistently represents the R&D group in PHA and safety related activities.
• Awareness of state of the art development techniques,
  
  

Educational Requirements:

BS Degree with 10 years relevant experience desired, or

MS Degree with 5 years relevant experience desired, or

PhD Degree with 2 years relevant experience desired

Benefits

Ascensus Specialties offers a competitive compensation and total rewards package.

Comprehensive Benefits PackageHealth and wellness benefits begin on Day 1 of employment.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans; Life and AD&D insurance; and Short-term/Long-term Disability coverage.
• Retirement (401k): 100% company match up to the first 3% of employee contributions; 70% match on contributions between 3% and 6%.
• Annual Bonus Incentive
• Paid Time Off: All accrued time off benefits become available for use after 90 days of employment. Time off allotments for the first calendar year are prorated based on the hire date:
• Company Holidays: 9 paid company holidays (paid at 8 hours each) 24 hours of floating holidays per calendar year.
• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available immediately upon hire to support overall well-being.