Student Intern - Data Science and R&D (1 Year Placement)

Company Description

Sika is a specialty chemicals company holding a leading position in developing and manufacturing systems and products for waterproofing, bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the construction and automotive industries. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries worldwide and operates over 300 factories. Our more than 27,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 9.3 billion in 2021.

Our quality team at Preston is committed to producing consistently performing products that our customers can count on time and time again. We aim to bring Quality 4.0 to life across our UK sites by fuelling the Lean Six Sigma methodology with Data Science.

About the role
This role involves exploring advanced data science techniques to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in the production of cementitious products. As part of the R&D network, you will play a vital role in guiding Sika's journey to become the standout supplier of cement-based systems prioritizing low-emissions and high-efficiency. As part of the data science team, you will experiment with and deploy innovative technologies, including generative AI such as large language models, to modernise Sika's infrastructure.

Job Description

Purpose of the Role
The R&D/Data Science student internship, which has been in operation for several years, has become a critical part of our operations. Interns divide their time between utilising data science techniques to enhance our understanding of industrial raw materials and optimise our portfolio and processes, and working in the laboratory testing their predictions, improving existing products, and even creating new ones.

The Opportunity:

• Actively seek to understand data science techniques and how they can be applied in chemical and industrial processes
• Spend one year working in a research environment, gaining a thorough understanding of how different ingredients influence the properties of final products and their interactions
• Ideate with a focus on how data science, machine learning or AI can contribute to solving complex problems
• Learn about the latest technologies in cementitious chemistry, data science and AI
• Develop testing protocols and strictly adhere to them, ensuring your data collection is consistent and comprehensive

The Rewards:
You will receive a competitive and an array of excellent benefits. We take pride in our total reward package:

• 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays
• Hybrid Working
• Core Hours Working between 1000-1600
• A company pension contribution of up to 10%
• Private healthcare for you, with the option to cover your 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:
You will join the data science unit of Sika UK, situated within the larger R&D team. The Data Science unit will primarily mentor and supervise you, while the R&D team will continuously guide you through laboratory techniques and ensure the social aspect of your hybrid working experience is preserved. The R&D manager will be your senior line manager. Our open-door policy at Sika R&D ensures we are always available for discussions.

The Skills:
Joining the R&D / DS team will provide you with insights into the varied worlds of industrial research, operational logistics, and data science. You will acquire a range of new skills in fields such as data manipulation; the basics of machine learning; knowledge of cementitious chemistry; understanding of standards and safe manufacturing processes; and considerable experience in laboratory and digital work. Each intern has been a success story; achievements range from designing new product lines to discovering new raw materials that could revolutionize the industry. We prioritize professional and personal development from day one.

The Future:
Having deep expertise in machine learning and data science is a valuable skill in today's job market. Despite their prevalent use in logistics and manufacturing, these advanced techniques are yet to be sufficiently integrated into industrial R&D, particularly in the field of construction materials. Your experience in both these worlds positions you strongly for a promising future.

Qualifications

• You must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a field closely related to chemistry or process engineering with a Year in Industry option
• A strong willingness to learn about entirely new and potentially unintuitive subjects
• Mathematical fluency - a minimum of A-Level is preferred
• Exceptional skills in presenting complex topics and data to non-expert audiences
• No prior coding skills are required, but are a plus
• Good knowledge of standard laboratory practices, safety and etiquette