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Research Development Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research & Development Ink Chemist Description - The R&D chemist position is in HP's imaging and printing business in our Corvallis, Oregon facility. The work will be focused on development of new ...

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

The role of the Senior R&D Chemist plays a critical part in radiochemical process development and ensuring regulatory and safety compliance. The base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $120 ...

The R&D Chemist is responsible for converting product concepts into physical products through formulation, laboratory testing, methods validation, and plant trials in a GMP-regulated environment.

R&D Chemist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

ICP Group is looking to hire an R&D Chemist to work in our Lynchburg, VA plant. You will work in a laboratory setting to conduct research on new or existing product formulas with minimal supervision.

ICP Group is looking to hire an R&D Chemist to work in our Lynchburg, VA plant. You will work in a laboratory setting to conduct research on new or existing product formulas with minimal supervision.

Associate R&D Chemist

Londonderry, NH · On-site

$24.75 - $32.75/hr

Undertake projects, guided by R&D Chemists, to develop new grease formulations. * Produce laboratory and pilot scale batches of grease and oils to support new product development. * Complete testing ...

R&D Chemist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

ICP Group is looking to hire an R&D Chemist to work in our Lynchburg, VA plant. You will work in a laboratory setting to conduct research on new or existing product formulas with minimal supervision.

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

SHINE Technologies is seeking a Senior R&D Chemist who will lead the design, execution, and analysis of experiments supporting medical isotope production and purification and used nuclear fuel (UNF ...

The role of the Senior R&D Chemist plays a critical part in radiochemical process development and ensuring regulatory and safety compliance. The base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $120 ...

R&D Chemist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

ICP Group is looking to hire an R&D Chemist to work in our Lynchburg, VA plant. You will work in a laboratory setting to conduct research on new or existing product formulas with minimal supervision.

R&D Chemist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

ICP Group is looking to hire an R&D Chemist to work in our Lynchburg, VA plant. You will work in a laboratory setting to conduct research on new or existing product formulas with minimal supervision.

Associate R&D Chemist

Londonderry, NH · On-site

$24.75 - $32.75/hr

Undertake projects, guided by R&D Chemists, to develop new grease formulations. * Produce laboratory and pilot scale batches of grease and oils to support new product development. * Complete testing ...

R&D Chemist

La Grange, IL · On-site

$23/hr

The R&D Chemist performs analytical testing on production batches and raw materials, supports manufacturing by adjusting formulations, manages laboratory documentation, and ensures products meet ...

We are seeking a motivated R&D Chemist to join our Edwardsville, KS laboratory team. This role is ideal for both experienced chemists and recent college graduates who are eager to build technical ...

R&D Chemist II Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll also have access to: * Career ...

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Research Development Chemist information

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$39.5K

$85.3K

$155.5K

How much do research development chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development chemist in the United States is $85,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, analytical techniques, and laboratory research, usually supported by a bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry or a related field. Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (like HPLC, GC, and spectroscopy), chemical analysis software, and adherence to regulatory standards such as GLP or GMP is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills help set top performers apart. These competencies ensure accurate experimentation, innovative product development, and compliance with safety and quality standards in a competitive research environment.

What is the difference between Research Development Chemist vs Quality Control Chemist?

AspectResearch Development ChemistQuality Control Chemist
Primary FocusDeveloping new products and formulationsEnsuring products meet quality standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departmentsManufacturing, quality labs
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry or related fieldBachelor’s in Chemistry or related field
Industry UsagePharmaceutical, chemical, consumer goodsPharmaceutical, chemical, manufacturing

Research Development Chemists focus on creating and improving products through experimentation, while Quality Control Chemists ensure products meet safety and quality standards. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are essential in the product lifecycle, but they serve different functions within the industry.

What does a Research Development Chemist do?

A Research Development Chemist is responsible for developing and improving chemical products and processes. They design experiments, analyze results, and collaborate with other scientists to create new materials or enhance existing ones. Their work often involves problem-solving, innovation, and ensuring that products meet safety and regulatory standards. Research Development Chemists can work in various industries including pharmaceuticals, materials science, and consumer goods.

How does a Research Development Chemist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

A Research Development Chemist frequently works alongside colleagues from engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing to bring new chemical products from concept to market. This collaboration often involves regular meetings to discuss progress, resolve technical challenges, and ensure that formulations meet both regulatory and performance requirements. Chemists may provide technical insights, interpret test results, and adjust formulations based on feedback from these teams, making strong communication skills and adaptability essential. Such cross-functional teamwork not only accelerates innovation but also helps ensure products align with customer needs and company goals.
More about Research Development Chemist jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Development Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Research Development Chemist job openings:
What states have the most Research Development Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Development Chemist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Development Chemist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,329 per year, or $41 per hour.
Senior Research and Development (R&D) Chemist

Senior Research and Development (R&D) Chemist

Ascensus Specialties

Newburyport, MA • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Senior Research and Development (R&D) Chemist
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Department: R&D
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Newburyport, MA
Compensation: $100,000 - $125,000 / year
Description
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.
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
  • Product Innovation & Scale-Up: Lead the directed development, feasibility testing, and delivery of new products and technologies, ensuring a seamless transition from lab-scale to production.
  • Experimental Execution: Set up, operate, and maintain required laboratory and analytical instrumentation for R&D activities; ensure all developed products meet exact customer specifications.
  • Data & Documentation: 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.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Present complex technical data clearly to peers, leadership, and non-technical stakeholders; proactively provide project updates.
  • Safety & Compliance: 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.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education & Experience:
  • Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant industrial experience is highly desired. However, alternative education and experience will also be considered:
  • 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.

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

Benefits
Ascensus Specialties offers a competitive compensation and total rewards package. In compliance with Massachusetts State Pay Transparency requirements, the compensation model for this position is structured as follows:
Compensation:
  • Hiring Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000 annualized. (Our target hiring salary for this position is $115,000. Actual starting base salary is determined by the candidate's education, depth of experience, and relevant technical expertise.)
  • Classification: Full-Time, Exempt. As an exempt professional role, this position is paid an annual salary and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
  • Annual Bonus Incentive: Eligible to participate in the 2026 Ascensus Bonus Plan (ABP) at a target of 10% of base annual wage. The ABP is a unified annual cash incentive program designed to reward employees for measurable contributions to company performance. Eligibility and payouts are determined based on overall corporate financial results, as well as site-specific performance pertaining to Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Quality, and Production metrics. For new hires, the annual bonus potential is prorated based on the active hire date.
  • 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%.
  • Paid Time Off: All accrued and frontloaded 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:
    • Vacation & Floating Holidays: Frontloaded on January 1 annually based on standard professional tenure brackets.
    • Sick Leave: Accrued in compliance with Massachusetts state regulations.
    • 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.