Process Development Chemist Student Placement 1

Your Role; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical company in Manchester is offering a student placement for Chemists focused on polymer synthesis. The role involves hands-on work in product development and provides a comprehensive understanding of the development lifecycle. Ideal candidates should be pursuing a chemistry-related degree and have strong laboratory skills. The position offers competitive pay and flexible hours, with the opportunity to work in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual holiday entitlement

Access to pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Onsite gym and restaurant

Complimentary parking

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a chemistry-related academic program involving a year in industry.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience gained through university or prior work placements.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct synthetic chemical experiments focusing on polymeric dispersants.
• Produce large-scale samples suitable for customer trials.
• Support integration of new products and processes in manufacturing.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Organisational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Collaboration

Safety standards

Education

Chemistry degree (2 years completed)

Job description

The Lubrizol Corporation a Berkshire Hathaway Company leverages its unmatched science to unlock immense possibilities at the molecular level driving sustainable and measurable results to help the world Move Cleaner, Create Smarter and Live in 1928 Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices around the world and has approximately 8800 employees. For more information view our latest Corporate Report.

About Your Role

As a student placement Chemist you will be immersed in polymer synthesis and the scale-up process of new and existing products. You will play a pivotal role in the development and production of polymeric dispersants designed for paints, inks and plastics applications. This hands‑on placement offers exposure to the full product development lifecycle from synthesis to manufacturing and application testing providing a comprehensive understanding of product development in a commercial context.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct synthetic chemical experiments focusing on novel polymeric dispersants tailored to various industrial applications.
• Produce large‑scale samples suitable for customer trials ensuring processes are scalable and meet quality standards.
• Support the integration and siting of new products and processes within manufacturing plants.
• Maintain meticulous electronic laboratory notebooks documenting experiments and findings thoroughly.
• Effectively communicate results and progress during team meetings and quarterly project reviews.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including research groups and applications departments to enhance product development outcomes.

Who We Are Looking For

This placement is ideal for candidates pursuing a chemistry‑related degree who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and are aiming for a 2:1 classification or above. Preferred candidates have a passion for organic and polymer chemistry and seek an industrial experience that bridges academic knowledge with practical application.

• Currently enrolled in a chemistry‑related academic program involving a year in industry.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience gained through university or prior work placements.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications supporting efficient data analysis and reporting.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple projects and workload effectively.
• Capable of working autonomously as well as part of a collaborative team.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, accuracy and scientific integrity.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the placement and must not have graduated before the placement start date.

Why Lubrizol

While Lubrizol might not be a household name our advanced chemical technologies touch everyday lives from automotive surfaces and fluids to personal care products and textiles. We combine specialised chemistry expertise with comprehensive formulation capabilities and market insights to make a tangible difference for our customers and their end users worldwide.

Our Commitment to You

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus reflecting your contributions.
• Generous annual holiday entitlement including bank holidays.
• Access to a competitive pension scheme to support your future financial wellbeing.
• Flexible working hours to help balance work and personal commitments.
• Onsite amenities including a gym and restaurant to support your wellbeing.
• Complimentary car parking to ease your daily commute.

Location and Lifestyle

Our Blackley site is located just four miles north of Manchester city centre offering an energetic and diverse setting rich with dining, shopping, cultural attractions and green spaces. Among its local highlights is Heaton Park—Europe’s largest municipal park with extensive recreational facilities and historical sites. Manchester itself boasts excellent transport links including an international airport with flights to over 225 destinations. The nearby Peak District and Lake District provide stunning escapes accessible for outdoor enthusiasts.

Join Our Inclusive Community

At Lubrizol we celebrate diversity and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to equal opportunities and evaluate each applicant solely on relevant skills and merit. Join us to become part of a talented team that excels in science and values the difference every person makes.

Application Process

Applying is straightforward: create a short profile and upload your CV and cover letter. We encourage you to apply early as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the vacancy will close once sufficient applications are received.

For more information about our Student Placements please visit our website: we are Lubrizol : Where science excels and people make a difference.