R&D Industrial Placement Student

About Sika

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for waterproofing, bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 27,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 9.3 billion in 2021.

We’re looking for a Student Intern to join our Cementitious Systems team at Welwyn Garden City on a one-year industrial placement.

About the role.

The role centres around the understanding of cementitious 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 cement-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 cementitious systems by means of acquiring knowledge in the area of cement 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.
• Appreciate benefits of data science in the product development process.
• 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 Cementitious Systems, based at Technology Centre Welwyn Garden City, 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.

The Skills:

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

You will be exposed to aspects of data science addressing efficiency in R&D processes.

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 Engineering background will also be considered.
• Any knowledge of cement and concrete 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

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.