Polymer Process Chemist – Student Placement

Lubrizol Corporation; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Generous annual leave

On-site gym

Free on-site parking

Learning and development opportunities

Exposure to world-class scientists

Job summary

Lubrizol Corporation in Blackley, near Manchester, offers a Process Technology Chemist – Student Placement. You will gain hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, process development, and scale-up of dispersants used in paints, inks, and plastics, from lab synthesis to manufacturing applications.

The placement exposes the full product development lifecycle and collaboration across research, applications, and production teams, with emphasis on safe, accurate scientific practice and problem

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards a degree in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Chemistry including a year in industry.
• Expected to achieve a 2:1 degree classification or above.
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate study before commencing the placement.
• Practical laboratory experience gained through university studies, internships, or previous work placements.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, accuracy, and scientific integrity.
• Eligibility to work in the UK for the duration of the placement and must not have graduated before the placement start date.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and develop novel polymeric dispersants for paints, inks, and plastics applications.
• Produce larger-scale samples suitable for customer trials while ensuring processes remain scalable and meet quality standards.
• Support the introduction and implementation of new products and manufacturing processes within production facilities.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks and comprehensive records of experimental work and findings.
• Analyse data and communicate project progress and results through team meetings and formal project reviews.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including research, applications, and manufacturing groups to advance product development programmes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, product quality, and innovation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Excel

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

UK work eligibility

Education

Chemistry/Polymer Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Chemistry degree

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lubrizol Corporation in Blackley, near Manchester, offers a Process Technology Chemist – Student Placement. You will gain hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, process development, and scale-up of dispersants used in paints, inks, and plastics, from lab synthesis to manufacturing applications.

The placement exposes the full product development lifecycle and collaboration across research, applications, and production teams, with emphasis on safe, accurate scientific practice and problem