Applied and Strategic Research Chemist Student Placement

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.

Applied and Strategic Research Chemist Student Placement 

Hazelwood, near Derby

At Lubrizol, we have a growing student community in the UK with over 30 placements each year across a number of different roles. Within the Applied and Strategic Research department, you will use your creativity and problem-solving skills to develop and test novel chemistries and innovative technologies. You will be part of a diverse group of skilled professionals, working closely as a team on a daily basis.

What you will be doing:

Focusing more on the physical side of chemistry, you will take a leading role primarily in the fundamental understanding of lubricant and fuel additive performance, driving towards both emissions reduction and efficiency in the transportation sector. This forms a vital part of the global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, and the problems caused by subsequent global warming. The emphasis will be on how our chemistry performs, and why this is the case. Disciplines such as colloid, surface and rheological sciences will be applied, with operation of high-resolution instruments (scattering techniques, rheometers, thermal analysis, surface adsorption techniques, kinetics) and opportunities to design experiments and define project directions to answer fundamental questions.

In addition to lab work, students will be given the opportunity to attend meetings and give presentations to communicate data and feed their research into business areas, both in Lubrizol Hazelwood UK and Wickliffe Ohio (U.S.) via MS Teams. Formal reports will also be important and relevant training will be given to help the student excel in such scientific communication. As part of the placement, the student will become an expert in their field of research, and working closely with their independent supervisor, will become the ‘go to’ person for both the instruments in the lab and the subject area of study. As such, you will also be expected to interact with our commercial, analytical and synthesis departments in both in the UK and across the globe.

 What you will need:

•  Studying towards a BSc or MChem in Chemistry including a year in industry, expecting a 2:1 or above
• Achieved grade B or above in A Level Chemistry
• Practical lab experience, working both in teams and individually
• Candidates should have an interest in applied, physical, analytical chemistry or formulation science
• Creative approach to problem-solving and a keen interest in the development of new technologies

This role would appeal to someone with a keen interest in Physical Chemistry. Lab work will be completed to prove/disprove hypotheses with the broader aim to generate a strong foundation of knowledge which can be used to design/optimise lubricant formulations.

Please note that this role does not include chemical synthesis. Lab work is an important part of the role, but the role is focused on analytical techniques/understanding.

Why Lubrizol?

We know that Lubrizol is not a common household name, so it may surprise you to know that our products and technologies are in the things that you use every day- from surfaces and fluids in the vehicles you drive, to shampoo, medicines, to the clothes that you wear.

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, combines our unique chemistry expertise, formulation and applications capabilities, and market insights to positively impact the lives of our customer’s end users around the globe.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive annual salary
• Discretionary bonus
• 33 days holiday (including 8 bank holidays)
• Competitive Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours
• Potential to support Final Year Project
• Subsidised Sports and Social Club (Some Locations)
• Subsidised on site restaurant facility (Some Locations)
• Free Car Parking

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

It’s an exciting time to be part of Lubrizol.  Lubrizol is not staying put. We are continually learning and evolving.  Our passion delivers our success — not only for Lubrizol but for those who count on us every day: our employees, customers and communities.

We are talented people working together to solve problems and improve lives through science. We are making a difference, and we will never stop pushing to do it better.

Lubrizol is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from a diverse range of applicants. All applicants will be considered entirely on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities.

Our application process is very straightforward, simply create a short profile and upload your CV and cover letter.  Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the placement and have completed a minimum of 2 years of an undergraduate degree but will not have graduated at the start of the placement. 

Closing date for applications 17th October 2021

We recommend you apply as soon as possible, because we accept ongoing applications and will close this vacancy once we have enough applications

 For more information about our Student Placements, please visit our site: https://www.lubrizol.com/careers/packets/united-kingdom-students/

Hazelwood is a small village in Derbyshire at the lower end of the Pennines, located around 8 miles from Derby city centre. Derby has extensive transport links with other areas of the country, the M1 motorway passes about 10 miles to the east of the city, linking Derby southwards to the London area and northwards to Sheffield and Leeds. Most of our students choose to live in the city centre which is where you will find Intu Derby – the vibrant hub of retail, leisure and dining facilities. The leisure complex is home to Showcase Cinema de Lux, Hollywood Bowl and Paradise Island Adventure Golf as well as a wide range of eateries and some of the world’s biggest brands. Another popular place in Derby city centre with the students is the Cathedral Quarter which is home to fantastic independent shops, a bustling market and abundance of excellent bars, cafes, restaurants and entertainment! There are plenty of events happening in the quarter all year round! A large student population means that the city centre is a lively and vibrant place to be.

Take a look at our video to see what our Hazelwood site has to offer.