Placement Student: Formulation — Colloid Science / Materials Science / Nanomaterials / Automation & Digital / Process Technology*

CPI helps make great ideas and inventions a reality. We’re a team of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.

Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products.

From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world a better place.

CPI have an exciting opportunity available for 6 students working towards a degree in science or engineering disciplines to join the Formulation team in one of 5 technical teams* based at our state of the art National Formulation Centre in Sedgefield to support various crucial and exciting projects.

Through the development of innovative approaches and processes you could help CPI to solve some of the biggest challenges the industry face. You will have the opportunity to be involved in many varied and exciting projects (from lab scale right through to pilot scale) using processes to help make products which are more sustainable and environmentally responsible. One position is available within each of the teams below** giving you in depth exposure to formulation disciplines at work, in the team you apply for (make note on your cover letter which team(s) you would be interested in working for).

Due to CPI’s collaborative nature, although the opportunities vary, each will provide you with experience of working across multidisciplinary teams within the Formulation technology team, supporting colleagues on activities within the Colloid Science, Materials Science, Nanomaterials, Automation & Digital and Process Technology teams to support both commercial and internal projects. Your contributions in any of these roles will help CPI support the UK in achieving its Net Zero targets and make the world a healthier place! 

• Colloid Science — within the colloid science team, you will gain experience in developing and optimising colloidal systems such as gels, emulsions and aerosols. Your role will be applying this knowledge over sectors in pharmaceuticals, food, personal care, agritech, and coatings. You will learn how to synthesise, optimise, and assess the performance of colloidal systems using the latest scientific techniques.
• Materials Science - Through a diverse portfolio of projects, you will gain experience across a spectrum of industry applications including sustainable packaging, battery materials, healthcare, personal care, and additive manufacturing (3D printing), to name a few. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will be working in our state-of-the-art laboratories formulating and fabricating these next-generation materials, applying the scientific knowledge you have gained to date, from your chemical, physical or engineering degree.
• Nanomaterials – As part of the nanomaterials team you will gain valuable experience in the Nanomaterials group, working within the batteries and conductive nanomaterials sector. You will contribute to the advancement of the next-generation of energy material technologies at our start-of-the-art AMBIC facility located on NETPark in Sedgefield. As part of the team, you could be working in areas such as liquid polymers, synthesis optimisation and scale up of energetic materials, electrochemical testing of energy devices, and electrode characterisation.
• Automation & Digital - within the Automation & Digital team you will be responsible for the handling and maintenance of numerous automated systems designed to aid high throughput activities. This work involves collaborating across teams to translate traditional laboratory processes into streamlined, digitally enabled continuous manufacturing techniques. You will also have opportunities to develop digital expertise by implementing smart technologies, data analytics, and process control solutions that drive innovation and efficiency in modern science.
• Process Technology — as a chemical engineering student in CPI’s Process Technology team in the Formulation technology team, you will be supporting the development of innovative processes which aim to solve some of the biggest challenges in our time. You will gain experience in process scale up and commercialisation techniques, translating lab-scale chemistry to pilot and industrial-scale processes.

**with one of the areas taking on 2 placements – area dependent on applicant interest

The Person

Candidates will be educated to A‑Level (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Biologics, or a related subject and studying towards a degree in one of the above disciplines or a related area. It would be advantageous if candidates had some experience in a chemistry, engineering or digital environment. 

Applicants should be enthusiastic, have effective interpersonal skills and be willing to learn to gain hands on/​practical experience. The ideal candidates will be committed to and actively seek opportunities to develop themselves within these new and exciting roles. 

You will have demonstrable skills in technical problem solving, with the ability to demonstrate evidence of knowledge sharing and network-building practice across teams or groups. You will be able to apply your own judgement and initiative to the role, as well as an understanding of when to seek advice from colleagues. 

These positions would suit students whose course includes a sandwich year in industry, or those able to take a placement opportunity in industry between academic years.

The Company

At CPI we work with our partners to translate inventions into products and processes that enhance health and well-being, protect, and improve our environment and increase productivity across industries.

With a deep understanding of innovation processes and funding, outstanding technical expertise, and industry relevant assets, we enable products and processes to be quickly and cost-effectively brought to market. This supports the development of next-generation manufacturing, highly skilled jobs, and economic growth for the UK.

Our partners operate across many diverse markets including pharmaceuticals, speciality chemicals, food and drink, electronics, and transportation. 

At CPI, we offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, this includes:

• Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays – Plus a holiday purchasing scheme
• Generous pension scheme
• Life assurance and accident insurance schemes
• Flexible working
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Free parking

Find out more about our culture and benefits.

Please note this role is fixed term for 12 months, beginning in July 2026.

Please ensure to stipulate in your application which area you would like your application to be considered for, to ensure that this is directed to the appropriate hiring manager for consideration.

Please note, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role.

CPI is an organisation based in the UK. Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK, sponsorship may be available.