R&D Industrial Placement - 2016

Job description

12 month Analytical R&D Industrial Placement

Starts: 4th July 2016
Salary: £15,840 per annum + £900 Relocation Fee + Benefits + 25 days' Holiday + Bank Holidays
Location: Slough, Berkshire

Where better to put your learning into practice and develop your functional expertise than as part of the team at AkzoNobel? We are more than just the leading global paints and coatings Company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We are a Business recognised the world over for being first with ideas and driving improvement. Over 200 people work in R&D in Slough representing over 20 different nationalities and they do amazing work. Last year they evaluated the application properties of over 1000 different paints and developed paint recipes for the whole of AkzoNobel – a Business that produces over a billion litres of interior wall paint annually! As part of the team, we can offer you a unique experience in a Business that will challenge you, develop you, and invest in you.

At AkzoNobel we supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. We believe we can only grow our business as fast as we grow our people. That's why we're committed to investing in your time with us. Join us and we'll work with you to develop your talents so that your ideas can go far. With an emphasis on development it's no wonder we've consistently been voted by graduates as a Guardian Top 300 Graduate Employer and our own graduate trainees have rated us a Job Crowd Top Companies For Graduates To Work For.

You will join the Materials Characterisation Section, an analytical chemistry team forming part of the global R&D group, based in Slough. Involved from day one, you'll use a variety of analytical techniques and state-of-the-art instruments to support a range of R&D projects from across the global business and throughout all stages of the R&D journey.

You will work alongside technical experts, broaden your experience, have the opportunity to work as part of a team and enhance and develop your analytical and team working skills. You will also gain greater understanding of subjects like colloid science, polymerisation chemistry and formulation science.

Desired profile

To be considered for this industrial placement, you must be a high achiever expecting to attain a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent* on a course that offers you the option of taking a Year in Industry.

Your degree subject area should be Chemistry or a related discipline. A specialism in Analytical Chemistry would be beneficial but not essential.

You must also have achieved a minimum 300 UCAS points or equivalent** as well as speak fluent English.

It goes without saying that you'll be a highly motivated undergraduate who is keen to contribute to the progress of engaging projects within our operation. You should also have some previous experience of laboratory work with the ability to work accurately, tidily, methodically and safely adhering to safe laboratory working practices, policies and procedures at all times. What makes you different is you are the sort of undergraduate who not only has ideas but also has the energy and determination to make them happen; an undergraduate who wants to work in an international environment and find solutions to the big challenges facing the world.

So if you think you've got what it takes and want to develop your talents, we can't wait to see you here at AkzoNobel – and help you take your ideas to the world. To apply please complete our online application form at www.akzonobel.com/graduates

As part of the application process you will need to be available for a telephone interview and to attend a face-to-face interview in Slough.

* Please visit the FAQ section of our website www.akzonobel.com/graduates for equivalencies in your country.
** UCAS Points are a measurement of ‘A ‘Level performance, points gained at AS level qualifications should not be included. 300 points are equivalent to 3B's at ‘A ‘Level not including general studies.