R&D Industrial Placement

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com 

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

R&D Industrial Placement 
1 Year placement starting July 2025
£22,000 per annum plus relocation allowance*
Birmingham, West Midlands

R&D Industrial Placement – Introduction 
If you are expecting a minimum 2:1 in a relevant science subject (ideally Chemistry or materials science) and are keen to put your learning into practice and gain valuable experience, this is an incredible opportunity to develop your skills in a business that is a world expert in making coatings. Operating in over 150 countries, AkzoNobel is home to well-known brands, such as Dulux, and has been awarded Top Employer status in the UK and Europe. We are now recruiting for our R&D Industrial Placement programme, giving you the chance to work on ‘real life’ new product development projects for our Packaging Coatings business while being mentored by experienced R&D professionals.

R&D Industrial Placement – The Role
•    Apply academic theory in a corporate environment.
•    Collaborate with colleagues to plan & organise work.
•    Carry out mechanical/chemical testing using established test methods.
•    Prepare lacquer samples/coated panels/cans for evaluation
•    Interrogate & record results, draw conclusions & make recommendations.
•    Create reports & presentations to communicate results.
•    Support ongoing & future research projects.
•    Operate safely in line with department and site health and safety policies and procedures.

R&D Industrial Placement – About You
•    A-level or equivalent in scientific disciplines including disciplines 
•    Excellent practical and laboratory skills.
•    Ability to interrogate & interpret experimental data.
•    Good at following procedures & working safely
•    Proficient in MS Office & has an eye for detail
•    Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
•    Enjoys a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues is key

R&D Industrial Placement – What Is In It For You 
We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:
•    Competitive Salary (depending on experience)
•    25 days holiday excluding bank holidays
•    Income protection
•    Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores
•    Employee Assistance Programme
•    Employee Life Assurance
•    Company pension
•    Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more!

R&D Industrial Placement – How to Apply 
We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.  Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.

Please include a covering letter alongside your application.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. 
 

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At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 43471