Industrial Placement Student
Vacancy Number: req5367
Location: Ditton
Location Address:
Foundry Lane, Ditton
Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8UB
United Kingdom
Closing Date: 07/11/2025
Croda is a FTSE100 organisationdriven around our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors.
We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilise new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace. As our business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for an Industrial Placement Student to join our Research & Technology Biopolymers synthesis team at Croda Ditton, Cheshire for 12 months from August 2026, working on the research and development of global projects across our Life Sciences and Consumer Care businesses.
You will be responsible for the development of novel functional ingredients from natural polymers for use in applications across Hair Care, Sun Care and Agricultural applications. There will be significant opportunities to make decisions within individual projects and duties will include practical laboratory work, problem solving, organisation and report writing. The project work carried out during the placement will be of sufficient academic complexity to meet the requirements of a university industrial placement degree course.
Who We’re Looking For:
At Croda, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive.
1. You should have good laboratory skills and be able to communicate effectively both in reports and verbally.
2. You will need to be a self-motivated individual with the ability to manage and plan your own workload.
3. Team work, attention to detail and good problem analysis skill are essential for this role.
4. You will have an A Level in Chemistry and be working toward a in a Chemistry or related degree.
5. Previous work experience within the chemical industry is desirable but not essential
What You’ll Be Doing:
Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.
6. Conduct the design and synthesis of protein and carbohydrate-based materials for consumer care and life sciences applications.
7. Focus on synthesis and process optimising (from lab to scale-up)
8. Complete routine characterisations such as GPC and HPLC.
9. Collaborate with applications team to evaluate the performance profile of new ingredients developed.
10. Write up technical reports for internal use.
11. Present regular project updates to team members and other stakeholders.
What We Offer:
Join a global organisation with countless opportunities for growth and leadership.
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:
12. Defined benefit pension scheme
13. 25 days paid holiday allowance (plus bank holidays)
14. Private medical insurance
15. Access to share plans
16. Cycle to work scheme
17. Car leasing scheme
18. Generous parental leave
19. Retail platform benefits
20. Free car parking on Croda sites
Additional Information
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email .
Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.