Graduate Chemist

Synthomer; Harlow; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Discretionary bonus

LTIP

Company car/allowance

Healthcare

Parental leave

Flexible working

L&D opportunities

Wellbeing program

Pension

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Synthomer invites graduates to join the Ignite Graduate Leadership Programme, a two-year development journey with four six-month rotations across R&D teams. You’ll gain hands-on experience leading experiments, solving technical challenges, and building a global network.

Mentorship and cross-functional collaboration are core to the programme. The role is based in Harlow, Essex, offering structured training to develop scientific expertise and future leadership capabilities within a world‑class

Qualifications

• Fresh graduate with degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field.
• Experience with data analysis and presenting results is a plus.
• Laboratory or industrial placement experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Four rotational placements across key R&D functions.
• Lead experiments and contribute to innovative projects.
• Develop commercial awareness and build a global network.
• Receive mentorship from experienced leaders and colleagues.
• Work with cross-functional teams to deliver results.

Skills

Chemistry background

Data analysis

Laboratory experience

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Degree in Polymer Science

Job description

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Ignite Your Potential with Synthomer

Are you ready to turn your scientific curiosity into a career that makes a real impact?

Our Ignite Graduate Leadership Programme is a unique two-year development journey designed for ambitious graduates who want to challenge themselves, accelerate their careers, and help shape the future of innovation at Synthomer.

Through four six-month rotations across our Research & Development teams, you'll gain broad technical exposure, develop commercial awareness, build a global network, and discover where your strengths and passions can take you.

Whether you're in the laboratory, presenting project results, analysing data, or collaborating with colleagues across different functions and geographies, you'll be developing the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to become one of Synthomer's future leaders.

What You'll Experience

• A structured two-year graduate programme with four rotational placements across key R&D functions.
• Hands-on involvement in innovative research projects that contribute to real business outcomes.
• Opportunities to lead your own experiments, solve technical challenges, and bring new ideas to life.
• Mentorship and support from experienced technical and business leaders.
• Exposure to global teams, customers, and projects, helping you build valuable international experience.
• Development of both your scientific expertise and your leadership capability.
• Training designed to strengthen your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, and commercial understanding.
• The opportunity to build a broad professional network across technical, commercial, and operational teams.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for graduates who are naturally curious, eager to learn, and excited by the idea of solving complex challenges through science and innovation.

You’ll Thrive In This Programme If You

• Have recently completed, or are on track to complete, a degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Enjoy analysing data, investigating problems, and identifying practical solutions.
• Are passionate about innovation and excited by the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies.
• Have gained laboratory, industrial placement, or research experience during your studies.
• Are a strong communicator who can collaborate effectively with people from different backgrounds and disciplines.
• Can balance multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Are adaptable, resilient, and motivated to learn from new experiences.
• Have the ambition to develop into a future technical or business leader.

Your Future Starts Here

At Synthomer, we're investing in the next generation of scientific talent. Through the Ignite Graduate Leadership Programme, you'll gain the experience, skills, and support needed to accelerate your development and build a rewarding career with a global leader in specialty materials.

If you're ready to challenge yourself, grow your expertise, and make your mark from day one, we'd love to hear from you.

Location: Harlow, Essex

Synthomer Strategy Video: Michael Willome Synthomer Strategy

“At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings toworkand we are committed to create a diverse and inclusiveworkplace, where people are supported to make their bestcontribution in creating a vibrant and successful business”

Global Benefits Overview

• Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• Discretionary global bonus scheme
• Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
• Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
• Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
• Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes