R&D Industrial Placement; Marine and Biofouling

About Akzo Nobel Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. 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 use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life.

Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

About Akzo Nobel Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. 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 use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life.

Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together. For more information please visit
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1 Year placement starting July 2027

£25,000 per annum plus relocation allowance*

Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

If you are studying towards a Marine Science and Technology related degree (or a related science/engineering discipline) and are keen to put your learning into practice while gaining valuable industry experience, this is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in a business that is a world expert in coatings. Operating in over 150 countries, Akzo Nobel is home to well-known brands and has been awarded Top Employer status in the UK and Europe.

In 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set an ambitious target for the shipping industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. Fouling control coatings have an important role to play by preventing the settlement of biofouling on vessel hulls, reducing drag and helping the shipping industry meet this target. Akzo Nobel, through our International brand, is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that provide ship owners and operators with greater insight into the impact coating selection can have on operational performance.

This includes the development of next-generation fouling control coatings, services and predictive tools. We are now recruiting for an R&D Industrial Placement within our Hydrodynamics and Marine Biology team based at our development laboratories in Felling, Gateshead.

• Support hydrodynamic testing and evaluation of coatings within specialist hydrodynamic facilities, including multi-purpose flumes and surface profile analysers
• Conduct experiments to understand the impact coatings and biofouling have on drag
• Work closely with Akzo Nobel's team of data analysts, marine biologists and chemists to support project delivery
• Analyse data to understand the impact coating selection can have on vessel performance
• Apply academic theory in a commercial research environment
• Follow standard operating procedures to complete projects to agreed schedules
• Write basic technical reports and present findings
• Enjoy training covering equipment,…