Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement Student

Lubrizol Corporation; Belper CP; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative chemical company in the UK offers a Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement for undergraduate students. This role involves conducting organic synthesis experiments and working within cross-functional teams. Ideal for students with a passion for chemistry, the position promises valuable hands-on experience in a collaborative setting, and offers competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary performance-based bonus

Generous holiday entitlement of 33 days

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Subsidised sports and social club memberships

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Strong academic record (minimum 2:1 degree achievement expected).
• Proactive, experimental mindset.
• Ability to prepare formal experimental write-ups.

Responsibilities

• Conduct organic synthesis experiments ranging from <1 L to 20 L scale.
• Design experiments and optimise processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer chemistry

Analytical interpretation

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Enrollment in a chemistry-related undergraduate degree

Job description

Overview

Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement Student

Location: Hazelwood, near Derby, United Kingdom

At Lubrizol, we're proud to foster a strong and vibrant student community across the UK, welcoming talent from various disciplines including Science & Research, Engineering, and Business Support. We offer a unique opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic student to join our Chemical Design & Synthesis team for a placement that will provide hands-on experience in cutting-edge organic synthesis and process development within our European marketing and technical centre located in a tranquil rural setting.

About the Role

As a Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement Student, you will play a vital role in discovering innovative chemistry solutions. Utilizing your creativity and problem-solving skills, you'll work closely with experienced Research and Technical Scientists performing real-world laboratory research projects. This placement offers exposure to the entire product development and process optimisation lifecycle, from early-stage synthesis to scaling processes to larger volumes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct organic synthesis experiments ranging from <1 L to 20 L scale, applying rigorous safety and quality standards.
• Participate in the full product development cycle by designing experiments, optimising processes, and communicating findings.
• Collaborate regularly with cross-functional teams including technology development, analytical chemistry, and performance testing departments worldwide to enhance product performance and technical applications.
• Interpret complex analytical data carefully to draw meaningful conclusions and produce comprehensive, formal experimental documentation and reports.
• Contribute to advancing next-generation specialty chemical components that align with Lubrizol's mission of delivering sustainable and high-impact solutions.

Candidate Profile

This placement is ideal for a student passionate about organic and polymer chemistry seeking invaluable hands-on experience within a global innovation environment. The successful candidate will possess:

• Enrollment in a chemistry-related undergraduate degree course, progressing towards or currently undertaking a year in industry, with a strong academic record (minimum 2:1 degree achievement anticipated).
• A keen interest in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, or related fields, paired with a proactive, experimental mindset.
• Ability to confidently interpret analytical results and prepare formal experimental write-ups with attention to technical detail.
• A commitment to working safely and responsibly within a laboratory setting, adhering to all relevant protocols and standards.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, embracing collaboration within a diverse, international scientific team.

Why Join Lubrizol?

Lubrizol may not be a household name, but our advanced chemical technologies significantly impact everyday life—from enhancing vehicle fluids and surfaces to improving personal care products like shampoos and pharmaceuticals. As part of Berkshire Hathaway, Lubrizol combines unparalleled chemistry expertise with market insights to deliver innovative solutions worldwide.

Joining Lubrizol means becoming part of an inclusive and dynamic workplace where your contributions support sustainable mobility, wellbeing, and modern life enhancements. This is an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable industry experience, develop professional skills, and work on projects that make a real difference globally.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary reflective of your qualifications and experience.
• Discretionary performance-based bonus.
• Generous holiday entitlement of 33 days inclusive of 8 bank holidays.
• Access to a competitive pension scheme ensuring long-term security.
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities to support your final year project, integrating academic learning with practical application.
• Subsidised sports and social club memberships at some locations, fostering community and wellbeing.
• Convenient subsidised on-site restaurant facilities available at select sites.
• Free car parking to ease your commute.

About Lubrizol's Values and Culture

We believe that science excels where people make a difference. At Lubrizol, our passionate teams work collaboratively to solve complex challenges and improve lives through innovation and sustainability. We are continually evolving and learning, striving to deliver outstanding results for our colleagues, customers, and communities. Lubrizol is committed to equality and diversity; we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and ensure all applicants are assessed based on their skills and merits.

Application Process

The application process is straightforward. Create a profile, upload your CV and cover letter, and tell us about your motivation for joining Lubrizol. Please note that applicants must be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the placement and have completed at least two years of an undergraduate degree without graduating prior to the placement start.

Location

The European marketing and technical centre at Hazelwood offers a peaceful work environment situated roughly eight miles from Derby City Centre, blending the benefits of rural life with accessibility to urban amenities.

Further Information

Discover more about Lubrizol and our Chemical Design & Synthesis team by exploring the following resources:

• More about Lubrizol
• More about the Hazelwood site
• More about Chemical Design & Synthesis