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Overview

Opportunities in Research and Technology

Research feeds the commercial operations of Johnson Matthey ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of technology.

It's our job to work closely with our businesses and customers to develop the products that will keep us ahead of our competitors. We develop partnerships with customers and academic institutions so that we focus on the relevant opportunities for the future.

Our research and technology centres are well-equipped and we invest in new facilities as business requires. There is an overlap between the research work carried out at Sonning Common and that of the Technology Centres within each division.The growth of our worldwide businesses depends on the constant flow of new ideas. Our Technology Centre at Sonning Common, Berkshire is one of the most modern and well-equipped of its kind in the world. Johnson Matthey also has high technology research facilities in the USA and Japan.

There are four areas of opportunity in research:

  • Refining: improving the ways we extract and recover the platinum group metals.
  • Catalysis: investigating the use of precious metals: to clean up car exhaust emissions, to generate electricity in fuel cells and to improve the efficiency of chemical processes.
  • Chemicals: examining ways to use compounds of precious metals in novel applications.
  • Colours: developing innovative products for our Colour Technologies business unit.

How you start out

You will take individual responsibility for part of a current project. You will deal with internal and external customers, and face challenging technical and commercial issues. You'll be encouraged to develop the skills that most interest you whilst contributing to the effectiveness of our business.

As you progress, you can develop your career in a number of different directions. There could be opportunities to export your expertise – and yourself – to Europe and the USA.

Who are we looking for?

We take people with a first degree and those with PhDs, usually in physical and inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical engineering or materials science. You'll need the self-motivation and confidence to get on with project work in an open and flat structure – as well as the common sense to know when to ask for help. You'll also have the flexibility and interest to expand beyond your specialist field or primary discipline.

Research and technology checklist

Degree and other skills: Training:
  • Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Materials Science
The Business Training Programme is supported by the technical training you need for your job and future ambitions. To keep at the forefront of science, you will attend science and academic conferences. You'll be encouraged to present your own work to the wider world and to work with universities on early stage feasibility studies. We offer support to further degrees and have Open University validation for PhDs.

 

Johnson Matthey