Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.
With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
🧪 Purpose of Job
If you’re looking for a placement year where you can work in a real lab, gain hands‑on analytical experience and be part of a global organisation making a real impact—this could be the perfect opportunity for you. At Synthomer, we’re offering an exciting 12‑month placement for an undergraduate who wants to build confidence, learn from experienced scientists, and get involved in meaningful work that supports innovation across our business.
🔬 What you’ll be doing
As an Analytical Technologist, you’ll play a key role in our technical projects, working alongside talented scientists and specialists. You’ll gain experience in:
Planning and executing your own lab work packages
Using and maintaining analytical instruments such as GC, GC‑MS, FT‑IR, HPLC or GPC
Developing new analytical methods with support from expert chemists
Ensuring data integrity within our LIMS system
Upholding quality and safety standards in a busy lab environment
Contributing to our 5S and continuous improvement culture
You won’t be shadowing—you’ll be doing. This placement gives you the chance to take ownership, solve problems, and build relationships across technical, commercial and operational teams.
🔍 What we’re looking for
You’re studying for a degree in Analytical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or a related field
Predicted 2:1 or above
Analytical knowledge in GC, GC‑MS, LC, LC‑MS or FT‑IR
An interest in method development or validation
Lab/practical experience is a bonus
Experience with emulsion polymerisation is helpful but not essential
If you’re curious, hands‑on, proactive, and excited to grow your skills in a real industrial lab—we’d love to hear from you.
Why join Synthomer?
You’ll be part of a welcoming, supportive team that genuinely wants you to develop. This is a fantastic chance to gain real industrial experience with a FTSE‑listed company, work with advanced technologies and build a foundation that will help you stand out when you graduate.
If you’re ready to make your placement year count, we’d love to hear from you.
🌍 Global Benefits Overview
💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
💙 Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
Synthomer Strategy Video: Michael Willome Synthomer Strategy
“At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business”