Research & Development Placement Student

STADA Thornton & Ross; Linthwaite; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £28,000

Pension 6% employer contribution

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

On-site canteen

Flu jab

Employee support

Cycle to Work

Many more perks

Job summary

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is inviting a 12-month Research & Development placement for a 2nd year student. You will engage in formulation, lab work and testing across Derma Cosmetics, Home Hygiene & OTC under senior guidance, preparing you for a career in R&D.

You'll gain hands-on experience in a commercial setting, develop practical lab skills, and contribute fresh ideas to product innovation while working within a supportive team in Huddersfield.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Chemistry-based, Biomedical or Formulation degree and applying knowledge in a real R&D setting.
• Proactive, curious and able to learn quickly in a hands-on environment.
• Independent with time management and collaborative when needed.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of the product pipeline across Derma Cosmetics, Home Hygiene & OTC.
• Assist with formulation, lab batches and testing under supervision.
• Contribute ideas and learn how R&D translates to commercial products.

Skills

Chemistry knowledge

Proactive

Team player

Communication

Education

2nd year BSc/BA student

Job description

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK Thornton & Ross – Research & Development Placement Student

Huddersfield | U.K. | Full-time | 12-month Fixed Term Contract

Commencing July 2027 | Salary £28,000

Join us for a 12‑month Research & Development placement, supporting the delivery of our product pipeline across Derma Cosmetics, Home Hygiene & OTC. You’ll work on both new and existing products that end up in real consumers’ homes and routines, gaining hands‑on experience while being supported and guided by senior R&D team members.

From lab work and product testing to supporting project delivery, you’ll be at the heart of how ideas become finished products. You’ll build practical, industry‑ready skills, learn how R&D really works in a commercial environment, and have the chance to contribute your own ideas to help shape future innovations.

We’re looking for a curious, motivated 2nd year BSc / BA student looking for a 3rd year placement in industry, who enjoys solving problems, is comfortable with change and ambiguity, and is excited to bring fresh ideas to help shape the future of our R&D team.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Become a trusted, productive member of the R&D team, taking real ownership of your workload with growing autonomy.
• Build powerful soft skills by working in multi‑disciplinary teams and learning how to explain technical science to non‑technical colleagues.
• Tailor your placement experience to your course and career ambitions, focussing on formulation.
• Get hands‑on with formulation: making lab batches, working with raw material suppliers and helping develop products like Zoflora, Oilatum or Cetraben that can one day hit the shelves.
• Develop analytical expertise: testing household and cosmetic formulations, creating new test methods and learning advanced techniques to assess safety, quality and efficacy.

What We Are Looking For

• Currently studying a Chemistry-based, Biomedical or Formulation degree and keen to apply your knowledge in a real R&D setting.
• Proactive and curious – you like to get stuck in, try new things and learn fast.
• Comfortable working independently, taking responsibility for your own tasks and time.
• A genuine team player who enjoys collaborating and contributing to shared goals.
• Able to build positive relationships with people at different levels and in different functions.
• Confident communicating with others and open to feedback to keep developing.

How We Care For You

• Competitive annual salary of £28,000 plus bonus scheme.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution rates.
• Hybrid working – we spend three days of your choice in the office, with the remaining days working at home.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.
• On‑site subsidised canteen.
• Free winter flu jab.
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength.

Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment.

– MN1