Work Placement - Laboratory Chemist (R&D) - 12 months

Verdant Specialty Solutions have a vacancy for University Student to work as an R&D Chemist at our Halifax Site for a 12-month Work Placement commencing July 2026.

The Halifax site is part of a group of 8 production sites globally that specialise in surfactants, natural and synthetic polymers and amines. We develop formulations that provide our customers' sustainable and differentiated solutions with functional qualities designed to modify fluid behaviour and deliver cleansing, softening, moisturizing, gelling, texturing, and penetrating dispersal properties. Our products are found in a variety of end-markets, including home and personal care, agricultural specialties, industrial & architectural coatings, oil & gas and several industrial applications.

Role Purpose and Key Responsibilities

• Synthesis of products in the lab up to 20 Kg scale using processes already used on plant or new processes to the site. This could be to supply new or development products to customers for testing & approval.
• Analysis of products using existing site analytical methods in QC lab or industry standard methods.
• Collation of data for statistical analysis in order to interpret and identify patterns and trends.
• Putting together formulations and/or blends of surfactants to meet customer needs & then testing these products in the laboratory.
• Application & performance testing, including testing of physical parameters, of surfactants and formulations.
• Supporting plant trials of new/development products.
• Ensuring lab & storerooms are kept clean & tidy and that regular lab safety checks are done.
• Processing of samples to customers.

Skills and Experience Required

• Studying for a Bachelors/Masters Hons Chemistry or related degree.
• Basic understanding of surfactants and organic chemistry.
• Be familiar with laboratory practical experimental work and equipment.
• Good communication, mathematical and IT skills (Proficiency in Excel desirable).
• Problem-solving ability.
• Ability to manage own workload, be proactive, and work unsupervised.
• Ability to build co-operative working relationships across departments.