At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct organic synthesis experiments and collaborate on innovative chemistry solutions.
- Company: Leading chemical research company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship from experts, and potential career opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of chemistry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for chemistry and problem-solving skills; relevant coursework preferred.
Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement Student
Date: Sep 25, 2026
Chemical Design & Synthesis Student Placement
How You'll Make an Impact
As a Chemical Design & Synthesis Student Placement Student, you will use your creativity and problem-solving skills to discover new and exciting chemistry through organic synthesis and process development. You will work alongside experienced Research and Technical Scientists, taking responsibility for your own real-world laboratory research within Lubrizol's European marketing and technical centre, located in a rural setting at Hazelwood, near Derby. This content has been reformatted in line with the Lubrizol job posting template.
In this role, you will:
- Conduct organic synthesis from less than 1L scale through to 20L scale.
- Be involved in the entire product development and process optimisation cycle.
- Interact regularly with commercial, analytical, and performance testing departments across the globe.
- Interpret analytical results and create formal experimental write-ups.
- Utilise data science tools or collaborate with data science teams where appropriate to complement laboratory research and accelerate progress.
- Work with the team to develop and commercialise the next generation of components.
Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success
- Be studying towards a chemistry-related degree that includes a year in industry, achieving a 2:1 degree classification or above.
- Demonstrate an interest in organic or polymer chemistry.
- Be able to interpret analytical results and create formal experimental write-ups.
- Operate safely and confidently in a laboratory environment.
Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward
- Passion for organic synthesis and a desire to contribute to the development of new speciality chemicals.
- Interest in supporting discovery and new molecule design through optimisation and process development.
- Enthusiasm for leveraging data science tools to enhance research and accelerate progress.
- Interest in sustainable technologies and diverse areas of chemistry, including functionalised oligomers and polymers, surfactants, fatty acid chemistry, esters, amides, phenols, alkoxylates, and oil-soluble calcium and zinc compounds.
This laboratory-based role would appeal to someone who has a passion for organic synthesis and wishes to play a significant part in helping a global team develop new speciality chemicals to support our business.
With a focus on delivering sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life, your projects could support discovery and new molecule design through to optimisation and process development. Rapid development and commercialisation of new components means you will be heavily involved in the whole product development and process optimisation cycle. You may leverage data science tools to aid your research and accelerate progress.
The chemistry undertaken in this area of research is highly diverse, with major focus areas including functionalised oligomers and polymers, surfactants, fatty acid chemistry, esters, amides, phenols, alkoxylates, oil-soluble calcium and zinc compounds, and the development of sustainable technology.
Benefits that Empower You
- Discretionary bonus.
- 33 days' holiday (including 8 bank holidays).
- Potential support for final year projects.
- Subsidised Sports and Social Club (at some locations).
- Subsidised on-site restaurant facility (at some locations).
- Free car parking.
Shape the Future with Us
At Lubrizol, we have a strong student community in the UK spanning Science & Research, Engineering, and Business Support functions. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to innovative chemistry solutions that advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life.
Together, we are Lubrizol: where science excels, and people make a difference. It is an exciting time to be part of Lubrizol. We are continually learning and evolving, and our passion drives success not only for Lubrizol, but also for 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 will never stop pushing to do it better.
Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. Delivered by You.
We know that Lubrizol is not a common household name, yet our products and technologies are found in items used every day, from surfaces and fluids in vehicles, to shampoos, medicines, and clothing.
The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, combines unique chemistry expertise, formulation and application capabilities, and market insights to positively impact the lives of customers and end users around the globe.
For nearly 100 years, Lubrizol has been delivering innovative solutions that help improve everyday life, advance mobility, and support a more sustainable future. Whether in the laboratory, manufacturing environment, or office, you'll be part of a global team empowered to make a meaningful impact.
We win because of you. Let's build the future together.
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.
To find out more about Lubrizol and the department, see the following links.
Job Segment: Organic Chemistry, Chemical Research, Product Development, Research Engineer, Facilities, Science, Engineering, Research, Operations
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Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement Student employer: Lubrizol Corporation
Lubrizol Corporation is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for aspiring data scientists. Located in Hazelwood near Derby, the company offers flexible start dates to accommodate your academic schedule, along with opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience in predictive analytics and AI. Join us to contribute to meaningful projects that drive sustainable solutions while working alongside a diverse team of experts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement Student
✨Dive Into Chemistry Fairs
Get yourself to chemistry job fairs and networking events – they're goldmines for placements! Talk to professionals, hand out your CV, and show off your passion. You never know who might be looking for their next intern!
✨Join Chemistry Societies
Become a member of chemistry societies or student organisations. These communities often share exclusive placement opportunities and even organise talks and workshops with industry professionals, making it a perfect way to boost your visibility.
✨Leverage Your University Career Service
Don’t forget about your uni's career service! They often have connections with local companies looking for placement candidates. Plus, they can help you with tips and mock interviews tailored to the chemistry industry.
✨Make It Known You’re Looking
Shout it from the rooftops that you’re looking for a placement! Talk to your professors, or post on social media. Engaging your network could lead to hidden opportunities at companies like Lubrizol Corporation that might be right around the corner.
We think you need these skills to ace Chemical Design & Synthesis Placement Student
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Laboratory Experience:For a chemistry placement, it's crucial to showcase any lab experience you’ve gained during your studies or previous internships. Mention specific techniques you're familiar with, like titrations or chromatography, and any relevant projects that demonstrate your hands-on skills.
Tailor Your CV with Key Modules:When crafting your CV, focus on the modules or coursework relevant to the role. Mention any advanced topics you’ve tackled, such as organic chemistry or materials science, and relate them to the placement to show your genuine interest in the field.
Engage Your Passion in the Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express why you're keen on this chemistry placement at Lubrizol Corporation. Share your motivations for studying chemistry, any relevant extracurricular activities, and what you hope to learn during the placement—this will make you stand out!
Show Off Any Relevant Certifications:If you've completed any certifications, like health and safety training or lab techniques courses, make sure to mention them in your application. These can really elevate your profile and show that you're committed to maintaining high standards in a lab environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lubrizol Corporation
✨Get the Lowdown on Lab Equipment
Make sure you’re clued up on the key lab techniques and equipment relevant to the role. This could mean knowing your way around titration methods, chromatography, or spectroscopy. It’s all about showcasing that you’ve got the know-how to jump straight into the lab at Lubrizol Corporation.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to tackle some hypothetical scenarios or practical problems during the interview. They might pose a chemistry-related puzzle or experiment setup and ask how you'd approach it. Brush up on your analytical thinking - it’s a biggie in chemistry placements.
✨Highlight Your Eagerness to Learn
As this is a placement, they’ll want to see your motivation and passion for chemistry. Make sure to share examples of how you've pursued learning opportunities, whether through classes, projects, or personal experiments. Let’s show them that you’re not just about the theory!
✨Know Your Research
Dive into any recent projects or research done by Lubrizol Corporation. Being able to chat about their current work or the latest advancements in chemistry can really set you apart. It’s a great way to demonstrate genuine interest and show that you’ve done your homework.
