R&D Industrial Placement

Our goals - Your path

About the role.

The role centres around the understanding of polyurethane/ polyurea hybrid resin flooring systems from fundamental properties through to applied technological aspects. You will be trained in product development process, relevant testing and analysis and product application aspects. As part of Sika’s sustainability strategy, you will also be part of a team focused on driving the low-emission, high efficiency resin-based systems.

Purpose of the Role

As part of the R&D network, this role is to ensure that the Research & Development Department delivers new products, services and systems on time and fit for purpose across the key Target Markets, in accordance with Sika’s Product Creation Process. You will work independently as well as in collaboration with the team to ensure maximisation of the output value of the whole department.

What’s In it for You?

The Opportunity:

• To learn to actively formulate products based on filled resin systems by means of acquiring knowledge in the area of resin chemistry, additives chemistry and technological aspects of the relevant products.
• To learn about product development process, from inception through to development and scale up to roll out to the market.
• Spend one year working in a very ambitious, vibrant and busy research and development department of a market/technological leader.
• Be part of a diverse, efficient, ambitious and entrepreneurial team.

The Rewards:

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

• Competitive salary package
• Holiday 25 days, plus bank holidays
• Core Hours Working between 10.00-16.00

The Support:

You will join an R&D Department focused on Polyurethane/ Polyurea Hybrid Resin Flooring Systems, based at Sika (UK), Redditch, United Kingdom. The team is part of a global network of Technology Centres, actively collaborating on numerous projects with local, regional and indeed global impact. You will be supported by an experienced line manager and a driven and very friendly team of colleagues with substantial experience in the technology in question. You will be able to benefit from a range of internal learning and development opportunities.

Your expertise - Our strength

The Skills:

You will also gain specialised knowledge and experience in the area of chemistry and technology of resin flooring composite systems, a skillset that is very timely also in the quest to reduce carbon footprint of the construction industry.

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how R&D functions within an industrial manufacturing organisation. This will be achieved by your exposure to all relevant departments within the organisation that partake in product development.

The Future:

Post the placement you will be able to embark on an R&D career or join any technical function of a global industrial organisation.

What we need from you?

• Ideally pursuing education in the area of ideally Chemistry or Material Science, however, suitable candidates with an Chemical Engineering background will also be considered.
• Any knowledge of resin/ polymer chemistry will be advantageous, but not essential
• Knowledge of safe working practices. Experience of working in a laboratory.
• Able to deliver projects to meet targets in a timely manner.
• Problem solving, creativity
• Strong drive to succeed
• Working knowledge of MS Office
• Personable with communication and interpersonal skills