R&D Industrial Placement Student

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 2026
Multiple roles available
£24,000 per annum plus relocation allowance*
Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear 

R&D Industrial Placement – Introduction 
If you are expecting a minimum 2:1 in Chemistry 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 and has been awarded Top Employer status in the UK and Europe. We are now recruiting for our R&D Industrial Placement programme based at our development laboratories in Felling, Gateshead. These industrial placements are ideal for science graduates who want to be heavily involved in practical laboratory testing and research.

R&D Industrial Placement – The Role
•    Apply academic theory in a corporate environment
•    Screen new coatings technologies 
•    Develop concepts that may be applicable to future products
•    Train in all aspects of working in the laboratory using established test methods
•    Follow standard operating procedures to complete projects to agreed schedules
•    Write basic test reports & present findings
•    Enjoy training covering theory, equipment & software
•    Operate safely

R&D Industrial Placement – About You
•    Expecting a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent* on a Chemistry course that offers you the option of taking a Year in Industry.  
•    Chemistry/Polymer Chemistry Degree or a related discipline 
•    Experience of laboratory work
•    Good at following procedures & working safely
•    Strong PC skills, an eye for detail & an effective team worker
•    Has ideas & the energy & determination to make them happen
•    Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
•    Wants to work in an international environment 
•    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:
•    25 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
•    Life Assurance
•    Income Protection
•    Employee Assistance Programme
•    Employee discount at DDC stores

•    You will also be eligible to participate in the Company's flexible benefits programme (myChoice). Colleagues can purchase additional benefits including:

-    Health Cash Plan
-    Dental Cover
-    Dining Card (Gourmet Society)
-    Retail Card
-    Travel Insurance
-    Personal Accident Insurance

R&D Industrial Placement – How to Apply 

Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you. 

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.  

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

Applications close 24th November 2025. First stage interviews to be held in November followed by an assessment centre. 

*Restrictions apply

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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: 49297