Job Description

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 Technology Chemist – Student Placement

Location: Blackley, Manchester, UK

Job Type: Full-Time Student Placement (Industrial Placement Year)

How You'll Make an Impact

As a Process Technology Chemist – Student Placement, you will gain hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, process development, and the scale-up of innovative specialty chemical products. Working within our Process Technology team, you will support the development and manufacture of polymeric dispersants used in paints, inks, and plastics applications.

This placement offers exposure to the full product development lifecycle, from laboratory synthesis through to manufacturing implementation and application testing, providing a unique opportunity to see how scientific innovation translates into commercial success.

In this role, you will:

• Synthesize and develop novel polymeric dispersants for paints, inks, and plastics applications.
• Produce larger-scale samples suitable for customer trials while ensuring processes remain scalable and meet quality standards.
• Support the introduction and implementation of new products and manufacturing processes within production facilities.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks and comprehensive records of experimental work and findings.
• Analyse data and communicate project progress and results through team meetings and formal project reviews.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including research, applications, and manufacturing groups to advance product development programmes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, product quality, and innovation.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

• Currently studying towards a degree in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline that includes a year in industry.
• Expected to achieve a 2:1 degree classification or above.
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate study before commencing the placement.
• Practical laboratory experience gained through university studies, internships, or previous work placements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, accuracy, and scientific integrity.
• Eligibility to work in the UK for the duration of the placement and must not have graduated before the placement start date.

Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward

• A strong interest in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and process development.
• Understanding of polymer synthesis techniques and structure-property relationships.
• Interest in scaling laboratory technologies for commercial manufacturing.
• Experience interpreting experimental results and developing evidence-based recommendations.
• Knowledge of laboratory health, safety, and good manufacturing practices.

Your Work Environment

At Lubrizol, safety is our top priority. In this role, your work environment may include:

• Working within laboratory and pilot-scale manufacturing environments.
• Handling chemicals and operating laboratory equipment in accordance with strict safety procedures.
• Using digital tools and software for data analysis, reporting, and project documentation.
• Collaborating with research, applications, and manufacturing teams across the business.
• Participating in project meetings and technical reviews with colleagues from multiple disciplines.
• Supporting activities that ensure the safe and efficient operation of laboratories and manufacturing facilities.

Benefits that Empower You

• Competitive salary.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, including bank holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Flexible working hours.
• On-site gym and restaurant facilities.
• Free on-site parking.
• Learning and development opportunities within a global organisation.
• Exposure to world-class scientists, researchers, and manufacturing professionals.

Shape the Future with Us

At Lubrizol, you'll be empowered to solve meaningful challenges through science and innovation. This placement will provide practical experience in polymer synthesis, process technology, and manufacturing scale-up while helping you build the technical and professional skills needed for a successful career in the chemical industry.

You'll work on real business projects, collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers, and gain a deeper understanding of how innovative products are developed, tested, and successfully brought to market.

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.