At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on testing and manage packaging data in a leading R&D lab.
- Company: Join Safeguard, a pioneer in healthy living solutions since 1983.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, health support, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values your ideas and contributions.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience while shaping the future of packaging in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be enrolled in a relevant degree with strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Salary available upon request
Location: Horsham
Hours: Full Time
Job Type: Office based
Closing Date: 31/07/26
About the Role: We are looking for an analytical, organised and scientifically minded student to join us for a 12‑month Research and Development placement to help shape the future of our approach to packaging. We are launching an initiative to systematically clear a backlog of chemical and physical compatibility testing, remove reliance on single‑source suppliers and unlock material cost savings. This is a valuable opportunity to gain experience in packaging testing and database management in an industry‑leading R&D Laboratory. If you’re looking for a year in industry where you can move quickly, achieve meaningful goals and build new systems, this is the placement for you.
A Look at Your Day‑to‑Day:
- Operational Testing: You’ll conduct routine, hands‑on physical and chemical compatibility testing on a wide range of packaging formats (films, tubs, pouches) in direct contact with our chemical formulations.
- Storage & Stability Evaluation: You’ll set up and monitor long‑term and accelerated storage testing cycles, tracking variables like plastic softening, tear resistance, and vapour barriers.
- Database Management: You’ll organise all existing packaging trials into a centralised and standardised digital database.
- Cross‑Collaboration: You’ll work closely with the Continuous Improvement and Compliance Manager to review testing data against strict regulatory constraints and ensure all our packaging supports the relevant mandates and standards.
- Liaising with Suppliers: Working alongside and collaborating closely with colleagues, you will communicate with existing and alternative packaging suppliers to request technical specifications and source material samples for testing.
- Lending a Hand: During natural lulls in long‑term storage testing cycles, you’ll assist the wider laboratory team with product stability trials and routine chemical quality control (QC) duties.
Where You’ll Make a Real Impact:
- Building Foundations: You will partner with our Laboratory Chemists and Process Engineer to author formal, repeatable testing protocols with crystal‑clear pass/fail criteria that anyone can follow in the future.
- Writing Reports: You’ll write comprehensive, objective evaluation reports comparing existing packaging benchmarks against alternative options, highlighting single‑supplier risks.
What We’re Looking For:
The Essentials:
- You must be actively enrolled in a relevant undergraduate degree program, working towards a 2:1 degree or higher in Chemistry, or similar analytical science discipline.
- Methodical Mindset: A high level of attention to detail and accuracy. You must be comfortable with methodical, laboratory tasks and data logging.
- Technical Communication: The ability to observe technical processes and translate them into clear, concise, step‑by‑step written instructions.
- Commercial Awareness: Aptitude for balancing the technical aspects of testing with the commercial realities of a growing manufacturing business.
- System Confident: Proficient in data logging and organising files via Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
Personal Qualities: We are looking for accountability and structure. You are a self‑starter who takes pride in organising your own workload, hitting deadlines and collaborating across departments.
About Safeguard: Our mission is to enable healthy and happy living through secure and protective housing. Since 1983, we’ve pioneered technologies that protect homes from harm. Our solutions shield families from the harmful health effects and wellbeing challenges associated with dampness, mould growth, pest infestations, flooding and more. We believe that every home should be a healthy home. Our goal is to upskill the world with knowledge and provide the tools needed to prevent damage to building fabric. We support every stage of the remediation and prevention journey, from assisting with defect diagnosis to post‑treatment maintenance. Safeguard offers a unique working environment where products and systems are developed, manufactured and marketed under one roof, giving the team full involvement in an end‑to‑end process. We encourage an open and collaborative culture that welcomes ideas and contributions from everyone in the business.
A Great Place to Work:
- Time to Recharge: 23 days’ holiday plus national holidays (with additional days the longer you stay with us).
- Health and Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential support whenever you need it, plus Life Assurance for peace of mind.
- Financial Future: A company contribution pension scheme.
- Shared Success: Company discretionary bonus.
- Little Extras: Staff discounts, a staff referral scheme and a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Laboratory Intern (Packaging) - 12 Month Fixed Term Placement in Horsham employer: Safeguardeurope
At Safeguard, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for Laboratory Interns to gain hands-on experience in an industry-leading R&D laboratory located in Horsham. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, while our comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowance, health support, and a pension scheme, ensures that our employees feel valued and supported throughout their journey with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Intern (Packaging) - 12 Month Fixed Term Placement in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university's career services or professors who might have connections in the industry. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to gain some practical experience through internships or lab work. It shows potential employers that you’re not just book-smart but also ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to laboratory work and packaging. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Intern (Packaging) - 12 Month Fixed Term Placement in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Laboratory Intern role. Highlight relevant coursework, lab experience, and any projects that showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about packaging and how your skills can contribute to our R&D efforts. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a methodical mindset, make sure to demonstrate your attention to detail in your application. Double-check for typos and ensure your formatting is consistent. We appreciate precision!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Safeguard!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safeguardeurope
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of packaging materials and chemical compatibility testing. Familiarise yourself with the types of packaging formats mentioned in the job description, like films and pouches, so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since this role involves database management and tracking variables, be prepared to discuss how you stay organised. Bring examples of how you've managed data or projects in the past, and highlight any experience you have with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.
✨Demonstrate Your Methodical Mindset
The company is looking for someone with a high level of attention to detail. During the interview, share specific instances where your methodical approach led to successful outcomes, especially in laboratory settings or similar environments.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role requires cross-collaboration with various teams. Think of examples where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic projects or previous jobs. Emphasise your communication skills and how you can contribute to a collaborative culture.
