Graduate Chemist

Conducts laboratory research, analyses scientific data and contributes to developing innovative polymer products, technologies and materials through practical R&D projects.

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide.

Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,500 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 28 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Are you ready to turn your scientific curiosity into a career that makes a real impact?

Our Ignite Graduate Programme is a unique two-year development journey designed for ambitious graduates who want to accelerate their careers, build technical expertise, and develop the leadership capabilities needed to become the next generation of innovators at Synthomer.

Working within our Research and Development function, you'll support real innovation projects that help solve customer challenges, develop new technologies, and create business value. Through a combination of hands-on project work, mentoring, training, and rotational placements, you'll gain the experience, confidence and commercial understanding needed to thrive in a technical or leadership career.

What You'll Experience

During the programme, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Complete four six-month rotations across key areas of our R&D organisation.

• Deliver experimental programmes and contribute to innovation projects that support business growth.

• Design, conduct and evaluate laboratory experiments.

• Analyse scientific and commercial data, draw conclusions and present recommendations to stakeholders.

• Contribute to the development of new products, technologies, capabilities and intellectual property.

• Gain experience across multiple technical disciplines including synthesis, applications and analytical science.

• Work closely with both technical and commercial teams to understand how innovation creates value for customers.

• Develop a broad internal network across research, manufacturing, commercial and support functions.

• Participate in structured leadership development and mentoring programmes.

• Build confidence presenting ideas, influencing stakeholders and managing projects.

• Play an active role in maintaining a strong Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) culture.

You'll thrive in this programme if you:

• Have recently completed, or are on track to complete, a degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.

• Enjoy analysing data and turning insights into practical solutions.

• Are passionate about research, innovation and continuous learning.

• Demonstrate strong communication and presentation skills.

• Enjoy working collaboratively with a wide range of people and functions.

• Can manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Are adaptable, resilient and open to new experiences.

• Have excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to safe working practices.

• Show leadership potential and the desire to make a positive impact.

• Have a good working knowledge of English.

The Behaviours We Value

We're looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Curiosity - asking questions and challenging conventional thinking.

• Collaboration - building strong relationships and working effectively in teams.

• Adaptability - embracing change and learning from new experiences.

• Customer Focus - understanding how innovation creates value.

• Leadership Potential - taking ownership, showing initiative and driving improvement.
  

Ready to Ignite Your Career?

This is more than a graduate role. It's an opportunity to contribute to meaningful innovation, learn from experienced scientists and business leaders, and accelerate your development within a global organisation.

🌍 Global Benefits Overview

• 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation

• 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme

• 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions

• 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role

• 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations

• 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)

• 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs

• 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers

• 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), 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