Our goals - Your path

About R&D

The core responsibility of the Preston R&D team is to develop polymeric intermediates that enhance Sika’s product portfolio across the UK within sealants, adhesives, and coatings. The team works closely with other Sika R&D teams based around the UK to deliver improved product performance as well as sustainability initiatives. R&D is a key component in Sika’s aim to be a driver of the transformation of the construction and manufacturing industry towards net zero.

Purpose of the Role

As an R&D Industrial Placement Student, you’ll be at the heart of hands-on lab work — synthesising polymers, testing applications, and contributing to the development of high-performance, sustainable products. You’ll design experiments, analyse data, and see your academic knowledge come to life in a real-world industrial setting.

What’s In it for You?

The Opportunity:

• Hands-on experience in synthetic polymer chemistry and product development.
• Develop into a well-rounded chemist through practical R&D experience, that transforms you into an industry-ready chemist —equipping you with the skills and insights to excel in any role.
• A dynamic, supportive work environment that values collaboration, creativity and innovation.

The Rewards:

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:

• Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service, plus bank holidays
• Core Hours Working between 10:00-16:00
• A company pension contribution of up to 10%
• Private healthcare for you, with option to add family
• Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
• Global Income Protection (PHI)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme
• Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones
• Selected discounted Sika products

The Support:

At Sika, there is a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one. You will be an integral part of the Preston R&D team which is within the wider UK R&D network. Mentorship and supervision will come from across the R&D team at different stages throughout the placement teaching you new skills and providing guidance. The team prides itself on a strong basis of openness and support where successes and mistakes are freely exchanged.

By joining our team, you'll immerse yourself in the real-world experience of being an R&D chemist, with a focus on synthetic chemistry. We are committed to providing a top-tier placement program that empowers you to lead your own projects all while receiving comprehensive support and mentorship from our experienced chemists.

Your expertise - Our strength

The Skills:

You’ll develop a strong understanding of industrial R&D, project management, and commercial strategy. In addition to honing your time management and presentation skills, you’ll gain hands-on experience with a range of lab-specific techniques that are central to daily work:

• Safe handling and use of chemicals for the synthesis of polymers and other chemical substances.
• Application of analytical techniques such as FTIR and gas chromatography for material characterisation.
• Formulation and performance testing of prepared compounds to evaluate their real-world functionality.

The Future:

This placement will equip you with valuable skills and experience for your career. Many past students have gone on to secure full-time roles at Sika or elsewhere in the industry. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of your career direction and a strong foundation for future success.

What we need from you?

• Currently studying for an undergraduate degree in chemistry or similar.
• Interest in synthetic chemistry and sustainability.
• Demonstrated team-working skills, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Be proactive, enthusiastic, and independent.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to interact effectively at all levels.

If you're excited to contribute to cutting-edge R&D and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About Sika

We’re looking for an Industrial Placement Student to join our R&D team

Preston, UK

About Sika

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and industrial manufacturing. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and manufactures in over 400 factories. It’s more than 34,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 11.7 billion in 2024.