Job Description
We’re looking for an Industrial Placement Student to join our R&D team
Preston, UK
The core responsibility of the Preston R&D team is to develop polymeric intermediates that enhance Sika’s 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 Sika’s aim to be a driver of the transformation of the construction and manufacturing industry towards net zero.
The role is predominantly laboratory-based encompassing both polymer synthesis and final product application testing, whilst experimental design, execution and data interpretation are key daily activities. The R&D Industrial Placement Student will work alongside R&D team members towards new polymer developments and being an efficient and sustainable manufacturer of high-performance products to provide customer value.
What’s In it for You?
The Opportunity:
* Synthetic polymer chemistry.
* Experience a year with an R&D team working on product performance, process efficiency and sustainability initiatives. This will develop and diversify laboratory skills as you use different synthetic processes and final product performance tests.
* Understand the commercial contributions of research and development towards a business.
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 R&D network. The R&D manager will be your line manager, but 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.
The Skills:
Joining the R&D team will give you an insight into industrial research & development, project management, and commercial aspects of the business. Tangible skills such as time management, presentations, and synthetic expertise will be nurtured and developed.
The Future:
The possession of a greatly improved knowledge of industrial practises leaves the student with many invaluable skills in today’s employment landscape. Past students have been a great success leaving with many achievements that have left them in good stead for their future; some of these past students are now full-time employees at Sika. Students often complete their placement at Sika with an improved idea of what future career path to take after university.
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
* Hybrid Working 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
Qualifications
* Currently studying for an undergraduate degree in chemistry or similar.
* Interest in synthetic chemistry and sustainability.
* Ability to collaborate and work in a team.
* Proactive, enthusiastic, and independent.
* Excellent communication skills.