R&D Industrial Placement Student

Were looking for an Industrial Placement Student to join our R&D team.

About R&D

The core responsibility of the Preston R&D team is to develop polymeric intermediates that enhance Sikas product portfolio across the UK within sealants adhesives and coatings. The team works closely with other Sika R&D teams based around the UK to deliver improved product performance as well as sustainability initiatives. R&D is a key component in Sikas aim to be a driver of the transformation of the construction and manufacturing industry towards net zero.

Purpose of the Role

As an R&D Industrial Placement Student youll be at the heart of hands-on lab work synthesising polymers and chemical intermediates testing applications and contributing to the development of high-performance sustainable products. Youll design experiments analyse data and see your academic knowledge come to life in a real-world industrial setting.

Whats In it for You

The Opportunity:  

• Hands-on experience in organic chemistry and product development.
• Develop into a well-rounded chemist through practical R&D experience that transforms you into an industry-ready chemist equipping you with the skills and insights to excel in any role.
• Working in a dynamic supportive environment that values collaboration creativity and innovation.

The Rewards:

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:

• Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service plus bank holidays
• Core Hours Working between 10:00-16:00
• A company pension contribution of up to 10%
• Private healthcare for you with option to add family
• Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
• Global Income Protection (PHI)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme
• Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones
• Selected discounted Sika products

The Support:

At Sika there is a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one. You will be an integral part of the Preston R&D team which is within the wider UK Innovation & Quality network. Mentorship and supervision will come from across the R&D team at different stages throughout the placement teaching you new skills and providing guidance. The team prides itself on a strong basis of openness and support where successes and mistakes are freely exchanged.

By joining our team youll immerse yourself in the real-world experience of being an R&D chemist with a focus on synthetic chemistry. We are committed to providing a top-tier placement program that empowers you to lead your own projects all while receiving comprehensive support and mentorship from our experienced chemists.

The Skills:

Youll develop a strong understanding of industrial R&D project management and commercial addition to honing your time management and presentation skills youll gain hands-on experience with a range of lab-specific techniques that are central to daily work:

• Safe handling and use of chemicals for the synthesis of polymers and other chemical substances.
• Application of analytical techniques such as FTIR and gas chromatography for material characterisation.
• Formulation and performance testing of prepared compounds to evaluate their real-world functionality.

The Future: 

This placement will equip you with valuable skills and experience for your career. Many past students have gone on to secure full-time roles at Sika or elsewhere in the industry. Youll leave with a clearer sense of your career direction and a strong foundation for future success.

Qualifications :

What we need from you

• Currently studying for an undergraduate degree in chemistry or similar.
• Interest in organic chemistry and sustainability.
• Demonstrated team-working skills with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Be proactive enthusiastic and independent.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to interact effectively at all levels.

If youre excited to contribute to cutting-edge R&D and make a real impact wed love to hear from you.

Additional Information :

We offer competitive salaries aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position education and/or training.  We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time