About the Role

About R&D

The core responsibility of the R&D Team at Sika Leeds is innovation of technologies to provide unrivalled sustainable solutions, we aim to be a driver of the transformation of the Construction, manufacturing, and DIY industries towards net Zero.

Purpose of the Role

Sustainability has become the key driver for R&D product development at Sika. The successful candidate’s mission is to bring water-based technology (sealants & adhesives) to the forefront of innovation and develop next generation products with market leading performance. At Sika we have committed to being net Zero by 2050 and by developing low carbon solutions we will transform the construction industry and help us realise our goal.

What’s In it for You?

The Opportunity:  

You will be a key member of an energetic team, working with a wide range of departments including operations, product management and sales, to introduce to market new and improved products. As a key member of the R&D team, you will be responsible for designing bespoke polymers and subsequently formulate these into market leading sealants & adhesives. You will be joining a growing team of inspiring scientists working to revolutionise water-based technology worldwide.

The Support:

Sika fosters an inclusive culture borne out through local and wider management. You will be mentored by our senior project leader in water-based technology with over 25 years’ experience in emulsion polymerisation, as well as collaborate with other R&D departments globally in Sika to develop your skills in the formulation of water-based sealants & adhesives. You will develop new skills through teamwork and provided training not just in your technical field but also in management through Sika’s market leading training programs. Sika invests in its people, providing excellent opportunities for advancement and skills development. The R&D Team at Leeds prides itself on a strong basis of openness and support where successes and mistakes are freely exchanged.

The Skills:

We are the UK’s largest manufacture of sealants & adhesives and the global leaders in the development of bespoke water-based dispersions at Sika, as part of this team you will develop a great understanding of how to formulate market leading products. Tangible skills such as time management, project management, and synthetic expertise will be nurtured and developed. There is a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one.

The Future: 

At Sika we take a personal interest in employee career goals and promote training and development of all our employees, delivering an exceptional succession planning program.

Your Skills and Experience

What we need from you?

  • A degree in Chemistry or a related subject, and/or extensive experience in a R&D environment in the polymer field
  • Proven team-working skills, as well as being able to work under own initiative
  • A highly motivated individual who shares our passion for delivering high performance, sustainable solutions to the construction industry
  • A problem-solving mindset and the ability to think outside the box
  • Confidence with excellent communication skills at all levels, both verbal and written

Why Join Us

The Rewards:

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:

  • Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service, plus bank holidays
  • Core Hours Working between 10:00-16:00
  • A company pension contribution of up to 10%
  • Private healthcare for you, with option to add family
  • Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
  • Global Income Protection (PHI)
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
  • Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme
  • Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones
  • Selected discounted Sika products

About Sika

We’re looking for a Polymer Chemist to join our R&D team

[Leeds]

About Sika

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for waterproofing, bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 27,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 9.3 billion in 2021.