At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct analyses and ensure our chemical products meet top quality standards.
- Company: Join Wychem, a dynamic company focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, generous holidays, and a solid pension plan.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality in a fast-paced lab environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry and experience with analytical techniques required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Wychem, an Ascensus Specialties Company, is excited to announce an opening for a Quality Control (QC) Analyst! The QC Analyst, reporting directly to the Quality Control Lead or Manager, is a critical component of the company’s quality control processes and systems. Operating within a fast-paced analytical laboratory, the successful candidate will perform routine and non-routine analysis of raw materials, intermediates, and final products to ensure strict compliance with client and company specifications. This role directly supports production workflows, aids in research and development (R&D) projects, and assists the QC Lead in method reviews, documentation, and equipment troubleshooting to drive organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting a wide range of analyses: Performing tests such as gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Karl Fischer titrations (KF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
- Maintaining meticulous records: Accurately documenting all test results, observations, and deviations in accordance with company procedures and industry standards.
- Collaborating effectively: Working closely with the QC Lead, production team, and research scientists to ensure smooth operations and support new product development.
- Troubleshooting and investigating: Applying analytical and problem-solving skills to address quality issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Contributing to continuous improvement: Participating in method development and validation, reviewing technical documentation, and identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and quality.
This position offers a chance to make a direct impact on product quality and contribute to the success of a growing company with a global presence.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
Minimum Qualifications
- Education & Experience: A degree in Organic or Analytical Chemistry is preferred, paired with 1–2 years of experience in a fast-paced analytical laboratory. Qualified years of experience may be substituted for each year of required education.
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience and use of analytical techniques, specifically the hands-on use and operation of GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations.
- Safety & Systems: Familiarity handling potentially hazardous chemicals and an understanding of QC quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001:2015).
- Core Skills: Strong prioritization skills with the ability to manage shifting workloads under pressure.
- Software: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced Background: A degree in Organic or Analytical Chemistry combined with 3–5 years of Quality Control experience within a relevant industry environment (e.g., fine chemical or pharmaceutical manufacture).
- Proven Instrumentation Skills: A proven track record and demonstrated operation of GCs, HPLCs, KF, FTIR, titrations, and balances.
- Troubleshooting Expertise: Knowledge and understanding of the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of GCs, HPLCs, and gas generation systems.
- Organizational Impact: A proven track record of strong prioritization and time-management skills in an operational setting.
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay + company bonus scheme
- 7% employer pension contribution
- 25 days holidays, plus 8 days bank holiday
- Life Insurance (4x Salary)
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Free parking
Quality Control Analyst - UK employer: Ascensus Specialties
Ascensus Specialties is an excellent employer located in Newmarket, Suffolk, offering a dynamic work environment where quality and innovation are at the forefront. Employees benefit from competitive pay, a bonus scheme, and a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development in the field of chemistry. With a commitment to maintaining high standards and a collaborative atmosphere, this role provides meaningful opportunities for those looking to make a significant impact in quality control.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Control Analyst - UK
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Ascensus Specialties. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like Ascensus Specialties to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Ascensus Specialties, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like Ascensus Specialties and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Control Analyst - UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Ascensus Specialties. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascensus Specialties
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Ascensus Specialties and the Quality Control Analyst - UK role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!