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 Better. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices around the world and has approximately 8,800 employees. For more information, view our latest Corporate Report.

Process Development Chemist Student Placement - Blackley, Manchester

Join Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, as a Process Development Chemist Student on a placement within our Blackley Process Technology Team. Established in 1928, Lubrizol leverages unmatched scientific expertise to innovate at the molecular level, fueling sustainable and measurable advancements that help the world move cleaner, create smarter, and live better. With over 100 global manufacturing facilities and a diverse team of approximately 8,800 employees, Lubrizol offers a unique environment to gain invaluable industry experience.

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 evaluating 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: https://www.lubrizol.com/careers/packets/united-kingdom-students.

Together, we are Lubrizol: Where science excels, and people make a difference.

Located three miles north of Manchester City Centre, Blackley is home to some of the most popular green spaces in the area including Heaton Park (the biggest park in Greater Manchester, and one of the largest municipal parks in Western Europe), Blackley Forest and Boggart Hole Clough. Reflecting its history as a textile manufacturing hub, the Manchester area was once known as “Cotttonopolis.” The Manchester Ship Canal, built in 1894, enabled oceangoing ships to sail right into the Port of Manchester. Today, Manchester's museums celebrate its rich industrial heritage and its role in the Industrial Revolution, the textile industry, the Trade Union movement, women's suffrage and football (Manchester United and Manchester City). Residents and visitors can get a sense of Manchester’s Roman history by touring a reconstructed part of the Roman fort of Mamucium (circa 79 AD), which is open to the public in Castlefield. Returning to the twenty-first century, Blackley is near The Manchester Arndale is the UK's largest city centre shopping centre, followed closely by the nearby Trafford Center, which boasts Europe’s largest food court and the UK’s most frequently visited cinema.

The Lubrizol Corporation

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