Process Technology Chemist Student Placement

Date: 7 Oct 2026

Location: Blackley, MAN, GB, M9 8GQ

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, leverages its unmatched scienceto 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Working within laboratory and pilot‑scale manufacturing environments.
• Handlin…