R&D Laboratory Technician

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

At our Leeds site we work on a broad range of chemistries from building chemicals, solvent borne adhesives to water-based acrylics, silicone and STP sealants and adhesives. The successful candidate will be working across all of these areas supporting the R&D chemists and helping with the day-to-day tasks within in the lab. At present there are a number of large site wide improvements that will require hands on testing both at trial and full scale.

The Opportunity:  

You will be central to the testing that occurs within the R&D department working closely with the chemists, quality and regulatory departments.

Things you’ll be part of within the lab:

• Responsible for carrying out the yearly CE marking requirements for the site which allow product to go out of the door.
• A place to gain knowledge within a manufacturing laboratory of various chemistries and testing procedures.
• Chance to contribute to the ongoing continuous improvements and general running of the lab alongside other members of the team.
• Involvement in the organisation of calibration testing of equipment within the lab and general upkeep of the lab.

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

The Support:

Sika fosters an inclusive culture borne out through local and wider management. You will be mentored by members of our experienced R&D team, to understand testing requirements and their importance to the wider business. As a manufacturer of sealant, adhesives and other construction chemicals you will be hands on with the physical and chemical testing within the lab to ensure that product can go out of the door as well as working along side chemists to create new ones! You will develop new skills through teamwork and provided training allowing you to grow to be a pivotal member of the department. 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 not only the UK’s largest manufacture of sealants & adhesives, but we are also the largest manufacturer within EMEA of one component silicones in Sika. Laboratory and physical testing experience will be built upon to give a wide and varied knowledge about products and testing methods within Sika. Good time management, personal organisation and communication will be required due to the fast-paced nature of the role to ensure that testing is carried out in a timely manner. There is a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one so there is a chance to learn and grow at any point within the role.

The Future: 

There is significant product and plant improvements happening at the Leeds site which as a R&D technician you would be involved in. There will be opportunity to implement testing methods to site as the products and the way in which they are produced advances.

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. From a laboratory technician position possible routes of progression are to a senior technician role or R&D chemist.