R&D Internship
First seen by Alion on Oct 15, 2026.
Within our Global R&D Department in Sassenheim (Netherlands) we are looking for:
R&D Interns
Our R&D teams focus on developing new technologies to grow and innovate our coating businesses throughout the world. We support well respected brands like Dulux, Sikkens, Hammerite, Cuprinol, and Xyladecor.
We develop technologies for Decorative and Industrial products, mainly applied on wood or metal substrates, with applications ranging from exterior and interior wood protection (cladding, doors and window frames, garden fences, interior furniture and floors) to corrosion protection in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Our internships offer a wide variety of research topics, including polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, material science, formulation and rheology.
The placement can last from 6 to 12 months, and starting dates and topics will be defined individually, depending on the team where the internship takes place and available projects.
The minimum internship duration is approximately 6 months. These internship opportunities are not open to PhD candidates.
What could the job involve?
- Work on specific research projects for new technologies and/or products in the field of wood or metal coatings
- Have the opportunity to design, execute and present your own project
- Work in the lab on formulation and testing of coating products
- Develop scientific insights to understand coating and substrate properties
- Work within an international project organization in multi-disciplinary teams
What do we offer?
- A hands-on learning experience in the field of paint and coatings
- An international working environment which is globally oriented
- An experience in one of the leading R&D laboratory in coatings
- The possibility to write your Bachelor/Master thesis based on your research
- An internship allowance of up to 700 €/month, depending on education level
- An accommodation allowance, depending on individual situations
What are our requirements?
- On-going study to get a Bachelor / Master degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Chemistry / Material science / Formulation
- Good knowledge of the English language
- Curiosity to learn all about our coatings and ways of protecting wood/metal
- Affinity for research work on new technologies
- Interest in lab work, paint formulations and other aspects of coatings
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work as a team player in the laboratory
Available R&D Departments
- Analytical team (focus on Analytical Chemistry)
- ASC Aerospace and Vehicle Refinish (product development)
- Central color (color formulation)
- Decorative Paints (product development)
- Innovation Group (technology development)
- PSRA (Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs)
- Resin team (organic synthesis and polymer chemistry)