Industrial Placement Student

Akzonobel; Slough; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Income protection

Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Ctre

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Life Assurance

Company pension

Flexible benefits scheme

Job summary

AkzoNobel in Slough is offering a 1-year R&D Chemistry Industrial Placement starting July 2027. You will work on real-life projects within the Product Development Centre, Local Technical Support, or Materials Characterisation, mentored by experienced R&D professionals.

Ideal candidates have a minimum 2:1 in a chemistry-related subject, strong safety mindset, and a keen ability to work in teams in an international environment. Relocation support is provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent) on a course offering a Year in Industry option
• Degree subject should be Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science or combined degrees with significant chemistry content
• Good at following procedures and working safely
• Strong PC skills, an eye for detail and an effective team worker
• Has ideas and the energy and determination to make them happen
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Wants to work in an international environment
• Enjoys a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues is key

Responsibilities

• Apply academic theory in a corporate environment
• Collaborate with team colleagues to plan and carry out experiments to deadlines
• Interpret and report results in a timely manner
• Follow standard operating procedures to complete projects to agreed schedules
• Develop knowledge of formulation science, analytical chemistry and materials characterisation applied to paints
• Work safely

Job description

Vacancies Industrial Placement Student (56071)

Requisition ID56071-Posted10/09/2026-Slough, Wexham Road, SL2 5DS, Berkshire- Posting Country:State (1) -GU

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.

R&D Chemistry Industrial Placement – 5 roles available

1 Year placement starting July 2027

£27,000 per annum plus relocation allowance**

Slough, Berks SL2 5DS

R&D Chemistry Industrial Placement – Introduction

If you are expecting a minimum 2:1 in a relevant science subject 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, the UK’s favourite paint, and has been awarded Top Employer status in the UK and Europe. We are now recruiting for our R&D Chemistry Industrial Placement programme, giving you the chance to work on ‘real life’ projects in our Product Development Centre, Local Technical Support, or Materials Characterisation Section while being mentored by experienced R&D professionals.

R&D Chemistry Industrial Placement – The Role

• Apply academic theory in a corporate environment.
• Collaborate with team colleagues to plan & carry out experimental to deadlines.
• Interpret and report results in a timely manner.
• Follow standard operating procedures to complete projects to agreed schedules.
• Develop knowledge of formulation science, analytical chemistry & materials characterisation applied to paints.
• Work safely.

R&D Chemistry Industrial Placement – About You

• Expecting a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent* on a course that offers you the option of taking a Year in Industry.
• Degree subject area should be relevant such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science or combined degrees involving significant chemistry content.
• 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 Chemistry 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 holiday plus bank holidays
• 3 days annual leave will need to be taken over Christmas and New Year for the Christmas closure
• Income protection
• Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Life Assurance
• Company pension
• Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including retail card, health cash plan, dental cover and more!

R&D Chemistry 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.

* Please visit the FAQ section of our website for equivalencies in your country.
** Restrictions apply

The closing date for this advert is COP 6 November 2026.

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.