We’re looking for x4 Industrial Placement Students to join our R&D team

The core responsibility of the 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 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

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.