Industrial Placement Student

Croda Singapore; Widnes; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A global chemical company in Widnes seeks an Industrial Placement Student to join the Research & Technology Photoprotection synthesis team. This 12-month role starting August 2026 involves developing novel materials for sun care applications and conducting essential evaluations in a lab environment. Ideal candidates will have laboratory skills and a strong background in Chemistry, with the ability to manage projects and communicate effectively. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

25 days paid holiday allowance

Private medical insurance

Access to share plans

Cycle to work scheme

Car leasing scheme

Generous parental leave

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Good laboratory skills and ability to communicate effectively in reports and verbally.
• Self-motivated individual with the ability to manage and plan own workload.
• Attention to detail and good problem analysis skills are essential.
• Previous work experience in the chemical industry is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab-based research project synthesising metal oxide particles.
• Disperse particles and conduct analysis in aqueous and oil-based dispersions.
• Work with applications team to produce formulations for sun care.
• Complete routine analysis such as UV-vis, DLS, DCP, DSC, and FTIR.
• Present regular updates to the photoprotection synthesis team and stakeholders.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Effective communication

Self-motivated

Teamwork

Problem analysis

Education

A Level in Chemistry

Working toward a 2.1 in Chemistry or related degree

Tools

UV-vis

DLS

DCP

DSC

FTIR

Job description

Location Address:
Foundry Lane, Ditton
Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8UB
United Kingdom

Closing Date: 07/11/2025

Croda is a FTSE100organisation driven around our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives™. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors. We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilise new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace. As our business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for an Industrial Placement Student to join our Research & Technology Photoprotection synthesis team at Croda Ditton, Cheshire for 12 months from August 2026, working on the research and development of global projects across our Life Sciences and Consumer Care businesses. You will be responsible for the development of novel inorganic materials and/or biobased additives for use in Sun Care products as well as the evaluation and characterisation of these products. There will be significant opportunities to make decisions within individual projects and duties will include practical laboratory work, problem solving, organisation and report writing. The project work carried out during the placement will be of sufficient academic complexity to meet the requirements of a university industrial placement degree course.

Who We’re Looking For:

• You should have good laboratory skills and be able to communicate effectively both in reports and verbally.
• You will need to be a self‑motivated individual with the ability to manage and plan your own workload.
• Teamwork, attention to detail and good problem analysis skill are essential for this role.
• You will have an A Level in Chemistry and be working toward a 2.1 in a Chemistry or related degree.
• Previous work experience within the chemical industry is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.

• Conduct a lab‑based research project, synthesising metal oxide particles for sun care applications.
• Disperse particles and conduct analysis in aqueous and oil‑based dispersions.
• Work closely with the applications team to produce formulations relevant to the sun care industry and determine their SPF and UVAPF values.
• Complete routine analysis such as UV‑vis, DLS, DCP, DSC and FTIR.
• Present regular updates other members of the photoprotection synthesis team and other stakeholders.

What We Offer:

Join a global organisation with countless opportunities for growth and leadership. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:

• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 25 days paid holiday allowance (plus bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Access to share plans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car leasing scheme
• Generous parental leave
• Free car parking on Croda sites

Additional Information

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email [e-mail].

Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.