About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com

Data Scientist Industrial Placement

1 Year placement starting July 2027
One role available
£25,000 per annum plus relocation allowance*

Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Data Science Industrial Placement – Introduction

The global shipping fleet accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the condition of a vessel’s hull can have a significant influence on its fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

International Paint develops advanced coatings and digital solutions that help ship operators protect their vessels and improve operational efficiency. We hold a unique and growing collection of real-world product performance data, including vessel operating information, coating histories, hull inspections and performance measurements.

We are looking for a placement student to help us use this data more effectively. You will apply data science techniques to explore product performance, identify meaningful relationships and support the development of new analytical approaches. Your work will help turn complex datasets into evidence and insights that can inform product development, technical decision-making and customer value propositions.

Data Science Industrial Placement – The Role

Working alongside coating performance, vessel performance, R&D and digital specialists, you will:

• Use Python to clean, combine and analyse complex product performance datasets.
• Carry out exploratory data analysis to identify trends, relationships and anomalies.
• Apply appropriate statistical methods to assess performance.
• Help develop reproducible data-processing and analytical workflows; improve data quality; documentation and analytical consistency.
• Investigate the potential use of machine learning and predictive analytics.
• Create clear data visualisations, dashboards and summaries.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Data Science Industrial Placement – About You

You should be studying for a degree that offers the option of completing a year in industry and be expecting a minimum 2:1 or equivalent.

We welcome applications from students studying subjects such as:

• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Mathematics or Statistics
• A quantitative or physical science discipline where data science is a key component

You will:

• Have practical Python programming skills.
• Be comfortable working with tabular and numerical data.
• Understand fundamental statistical and data-analysis concepts.
• Be able to create clear and informative data visualisations.
• Approach data methodically, with strong attention to detail.
• Be curious and willing to investigate unfamiliar technical problems.
• Be able to explain analytical findings clearly.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Be willing to learn about marine coatings, vessel operations and product performance.

Data Science Industrial Placement – What Is In It For You

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:

• 25 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee discount at DDC stores
• You will also be eligible to participate in the Company's flexible benefits programme (myChoice). Colleagues can purchase additional benefits including:
• Health Cash Plan
• Dental Cover
• Dining Card (Gourmet Society)
• Retail Card
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance

Data Science Industrial Placement – How to Apply

Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you.

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We may consider flexible working for this role.

Applications close 6th Nov. First stage interviews to be held in November

*Restrictions apply

#LI-LB1

© 2026 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.