About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com 

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Within our Global R&D Department in Sassenheim (Netherlands) we are looking for:

R&D Interns

Our R&D teams focus on developing new technologies to grow and innovate our coating businesses throughout the world. We support well respected brands like Dulux, Sikkens, Hammerite, Cuprinol, and Xyladecor. 

We develop technologies for Decorative and Industrial products, mainly applied on wood or metal substrates, with applications ranging from exterior and interior wood protection (cladding, doors and window frames, garden fences, interior furniture and floors) to corrosion protection in the automotive and aerospace industries. 

Our internships offer a wide variety of research topics, including polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, material science, formulation and rheology.
The placement can last from 6 to 12 months, and starting dates and topics will be defined individually, depending on the team where the internship takes place and available projects

What could the job involve?

•    Work on specific research projects for new technologies and/or products in the field of wood or metal coatings
•    Have the opportunity to design, execute and present your own project
•    Work in the lab on formulation and testing of coating products
•    Develop scientific insights to understand coating and substrate properties
•    Work within an international project organization in multi-disciplinary teams

What do we offer?

•    A hands-on learning experience in the field of paint and coatings
•    An international working environment which is globally oriented
•    An experience in one of the leading R&D laboratory in coatings
•    The possibility to write your Bachelor/Master thesis based on your research
•    An internship allowance of up to 700 €/month, depending on education level
•    An accommodation allowance, depending on individual situations

What are our requirements?

•    On-going study to get a Bachelor / Master degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Chemistry / Material science / Formulation
•    Good knowledge of the English language
•    Curiosity to learn all about our coatings and ways of protecting wood/metal
•    Affinity for research work on new technologies
•    Interest in lab work, paint formulations and other aspects of coatings
•    Good communication skills
•    Ability to work as a team player in the laboratory

Additional Information for Applicants

Please include the following information in your application:

• Are you currently enrolled as a student, and will you remain enrolled throughout the internship period?
• Do you have a valid work permit for the Netherlands (if applicable)?
• What is your preferred start date and internship duration? Please note that the minimum internship duration is approximately 6 months. Please note that these internship opportunities are not open to PhD candidates.
• Do you have a preferred department or area you would like to work within? If yes, please specify. You are welcome to indicate multiple preferences.

Available R&D Departments

• Analytical team (focus on Analytical Chemistry)
• ASC Aerospace and Vehicle Refinish (product development)
• Central color (color formulation)
• Decorative Paints (product development)
• Innovation Group (technology development)
• PSRA (Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs)
• Resin team (organic synthesis and polymer chemistry)

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.