Research & Development Placement Student

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People's Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK Thornton & Ross - Research & Development Placement Student

Huddersfield |U.K.| Full-time | 12-month Fixed Term Contract

Commencing July 2027 | Salary £28,000

Join us for a 12‑month Research & Development placement, supporting the delivery of our product pipeline across Derma Cosmetics, Home Hygiene & OTC. You'll work on both new and existing products that end up in real consumers' homes and routines, gaining hands-on experience while being supported and guided by senior R&D team members.

From lab work and product testing to supporting project delivery, you'll be at the heart of how ideas become finished products. You'll build practical, industry-ready skills, learn how R&D really works in a commercial environment, and have the chance to contribute your own ideas to help shape future innovations.

We're looking for a curious, motivated 2nd year BSc / BA student looking for a 3rd year placement in industry, who enjoys solving problems, is comfortable with change and ambiguity, and is excited to bring fresh ideas to help shape the future of our R&D team.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Become a trusted, productive member of the R&D team, taking real ownership of your workload with growing autonomy.
• Build powerful soft skills by working in multi‑disciplinary teams and learning how to explain technical science to non‑technical colleagues.
• Tailor your placement experience to your course and career ambitions, focussing on formulation.
• Get hands-on with formulation: making lab batches, working with raw material suppliers and helping develop products like Zoflora, Oilatum or Cetraben that can one day hit the shelves.
• Develop analytical expertise: testing household and cosmetic formulations, creating new test methods and learning advanced techniques to assess safety, quality and efficacy.

What We Are Looking For

• Currently studying a Chemistry-based, Biomedical or Formulation degree and keen to apply your knowledge in a real R&D setting.
• Proactive and curious - you like to get stuck in, try new things and learn fast.
• Comfortable working independently, taking responsibility for your own tasks and time.
• A genuine team player who enjoys collaborating and contributing to shared goals.
• Able to build positive relationships with people at different levels and in different functions.
• Confident communicating with others and open to feedback to keep developing.

How we care for you

At Thornton & Ross our purpose "Caring for people's health as a trusted partner" motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

💸 Competitive annual salary of £28,000 plus bonus scheme.

🗝 Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution rates.

⌚ Hybrid working - we spend three days of your choice in the office, with the remaining days working at home.

🌴 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.

🥗 On-site subsidised canteen.

💉 Free winter flu jab.

🧠 Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing - offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.

🚲 Cycle to Work Scheme.

🎉 Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.

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