Vacancies R&D Industrial Placement (Marine and Biofouling) in Gateshead

About AkzoNobel

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 www.akzonobel.com

© 2026 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

R&D Industrial Placement – Marine Coating and Biofouling Hydrodynamics
1 Year placement starting July 2027
£25,000 per annum plus relocation allowance*
Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

R&D Industrial Placement – Introduction

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, AkzoNobel 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.

AkzoNobel, 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.

R&D Industrial Placement – The Role
• 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 AkzoNobel'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, software and specialist testing techniques
• Operate safely and contribute to a positive laboratory culture

R&D Industrial Placement – About You
• Working towards a Marine Science and Technology degree (or related science/engineering discipline) that offers the option of taking a Year in Industry
• Experience of laboratory work would be beneficial
• Understanding of fluid dynamics would be beneficial
• Strong programming skills and experience using software such as Python or MATLAB would be advantageous
• Good at following procedures and working safely
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Effective team worker with the energy and determination to make ideas happen
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Wants to work in an international environment
• Enjoys a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues is key

R&D Industrial Placement – What Is In It For You
We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:
• 25 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee discount at DDC stores

You will also be eligible to participate in the Company's flexible benefits programme (myChoice). Colleagues can purchase additional benefits including:
• Health Cash Plan
• Dental Cover
• Dining Card (Gourmet Society)
• Retail Card
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance

R&D Industrial Placement – How to Apply
Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you.

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We may consider flexible working for this role.

Applications close 29th October 2026. First stage interviews will be held in November followed by an assessment centre.

*Restrictions apply.

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At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 56466