Physical Scientist Placement Student

About Lubrizol
The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a specialty chemical company whose science delivers sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing and enhance modern life. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales, and technical offices around the world and has about 8,000 employees. For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com .

We value diversity in professional backgrounds and life experiences. By enabling a consistent, unbiased, and transparent recruitment process, Lubrizol seeks to create a positive experience for candidates so we can get to know them at their best. We recognise unique work and life situations and offer flexibility, ensuring our employees feel engaged and fulfilled in every aspect of life.

Analytical and Physical Science Chemist Student Placement

Location: Hazelwood, near Derby, UK
Job Type: Full-time, Student Placement (12 months), On-site

How You'll Make an Impact

As a Physical Scientist Placement Student , you'll be at the forefront of innovation within our Analytical and Physical Science team, helping to develop a fundamental understanding of how advanced chemistries perform across a range of applications. You'll collaborate with experienced scientists and researchers to deliver sustainable solutions that advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life.

In this role, you will:

- Apply physical chemistry principles to investigate and understand additive performance in newly developed chemistries.

- Support research projects across diverse markets including lubricants and fuels, composite materials, paints, and coatings.

- Operate and interpret data from advanced analytical instruments such as electron microscopy, scattering techniques, rheometers, thermal analysis, surface adsorption equipment, and kinetic measurement tools.

- Design experiments, analyse results, and contribute to defining project direction to answer fundamental scientific questions.

- Present findings and communicate technical results through reports, presentations, and collaboration with colleagues across UK and global Lubrizol sites.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

- Currently studying towards a BSc or MChem in Chemistry with an integrated Year in Industry, and expected to achieve a 2:1 classification or above .

- Achieved Grade B or above in A-Level Chemistry .

- Ability to work safely and confidently in a laboratory environment.

- Interest in applied chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, or formulation science.

- Strong problem-solving skills with a creative and inquisitive approach to scientific challenges.

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.

- Enthusiasm for developing new technologies and contributing to innovative research projects.

Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward

- Knowledge of colloid, surface, rheological, or materials science.

- Previous laboratory experience gained through academic studies or industrial placements.

- Experience analysing scientific data and producing technical reports.

- Understanding of experimental design and data interpretation techniques.

Your Work Environment

At Lubrizol, we're committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work. As part of this placement, your work environment may include:

- Working in laboratory environments using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

- Operating analytical and testing equipment for extended periods.

- Using digital tools and software to analyse data and prepare reports.

- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across local and global locations.

- Following rigorous safety procedures and laboratory best practices.

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to support your wellbeing, development, and success.

Benefits that Empower You

- Competitive salary

- Discretionary bonus

- 33 days holiday (including 8 bank holidays)

- Competitive pension scheme

- Flexible working hours

- Opportunity to support a Final Year Project

- Subsidised Sports and Social Club (location dependent)

- Subsidised onsite restaurant facilities (location dependent)

- Free onsite parking

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Shape the Future with Us

At Lubrizol, we're transforming industries through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion. As part of our global team, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact while gaining valuable industry experience and developing your scientific expertise.

The Analytical and Physical Science department supports innovation through cutting-edge research and advanced analytical techniques, helping to deliver differentiated solutions to customers around the world. This placement offers a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world projects while developing skills that will support your future career.

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science.™ Delivered by You.

Ready for your next career step? Apply today and let's shape the future together!

It’s an exciting time to be part of Lubrizol. Lubrizol is not staying put. We are continually learning and evolving. Our passion delivers our success — not only for Lubrizol but for those who count on us every day: our employees, customers and communities.

We work with a relentless commitment to operate safely and responsibly, keeping safety, sustainability, ethics, and compliance at the forefront of everything we do. The well-being of our employees, customers and communities is paramount to our culture and in the way we approach our work.

As a diverse, global team, we work together to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We impact everyday lives through science only Lubrizol can deliver, and we never stop pushing to do it better.

One of the founding principles of The Lubrizol Corporation more than 90 years ago was treating every employee with dignity and respect. That same commitment is only stronger today.

More than that, we are committed to providing an environment where every employee can be the best they can be, no matter their ethnic origin, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other characteristic.