R&D Apprentice

Job Description

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries. R&D Chemist Apprenticeship

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

With a qualification in Chemistry, such as an A level or HNC, or science-based subject you are looking to use your talents to develop a career in a company that can offer a long-term future and career with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We are looking for a R&D Chemist to join our Research & Development centre based in Slough as an apprentice to provide R&D technical support to the business while developing their learning by completing a parttime BSc hons, in Chemistry at the University of Bradford. To support your BSc study, one day per week will be on day release via remote learning. You will also attend two separate week placements each year at the university campus. All expenses including any accommodation and travel when studying on campus will be paid for alongside the full tuition fees for the degree.

As an R&D Chemist you will work as part of an international project team and will support activities on a range of projects. You could find yourself developing new products and technologies, testing existing products or developing a fundamental understanding and expertise of key technical attributes so we can support the long-term market and products. We will look to you to successfully plan and execute experiments to agreed timescales as well as interpret and report results. You will also ensure materials are stocked or to ensure your projects be completed. Key will be the ability to work safely while following company procedures.

The successful candidate will be committed to completing a BSc in Chemistry and must have the required entry level qualifications (A Level or HNC in Chemistry or a Science subject). You will also be good at following set processes and operating safely. You will demonstrate the ability to produce written communications, such as data findings and analytical reports, and be organised and comfortable multitasking. Experience of working in a laboratory would be an advantage.

The Role

• Development of new decorative paint products, colorants and colors.
• Testing and benchmarking of current (competitor) decorative paint products and colorant systems.
• Development and testing of current/new paint application processes and tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Development of the fundamental understanding of formulation and application technologies.
• Carry out experimental lab experiments, including preparation and (application) testing of decorative paint, colorant and color prototypes.
• Familiarize with relevant experimental formulation, application and analytical approaches or techniques and provides support to training up new team members (where required)
• Collate and present results to line management/project teams, by using the appropriate reporting systems and tools.
• Manage the day-to-day requirements, by planning and delivering the assigned lab activities as agreed with line manager or project supervisor.
• Consistently and effectively communicate progress and issues, both verbally and in summaries/presentations for discussion with line manager or project supervisor
• Identify personal/project improvement needs and generate ideas for improvement activities for discussion with line manager.
• Able to participate in project discussions and to obtain samples, product information and literature.

About You

• Committed to a career in Research & Development.
• Qualified at A level/B-Tech or equivalent in a science-based subject, ideally Chemistry.
• Self-starter with the ability to operate independently & proactively, giving consistent and stable performance.
• Excellent interpersonal & presentation skills, able to enthuse and influence.
• Practical experience of problem solving with a drive for results
• Able to drive continuous improvement with the curiosity to question and a willingness to learn.
• Ambitious and energetic and strives to continuously achieve high performance levels to ensure things happen.
• Can convey knowledge to others in a suitable format to suit the audience / situation.
• Maintain beliefs, commitments and effort despite setback or opposition.
• Excellent command of English language – verbal and written.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

What’s in It for you?

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience)
• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays
• Income protection
• Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Life Assurance
• Company pension
• Product discounts
• Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more!

How To Apply

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team. Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.