Details
1108848
University of Warwick
23/03/2026
Other - See Job
36.5 hours per week
Smart Casual
Pay
£12.83
£1.55
Description
Role
About the role:
This is an 8 week paid internship opportunity with The Amtico Company as part of the WMG Internship Program.
This role involves utilising a number of material characterisation techniques to assess adhesion within luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring layers. With both lab and desk-based elements, you will be required to find ways to improve LVT adhesion and identify characterisation techniques to upgrade the capabilities of Amtico testing labs.
The internship is based within WMG at Warwick University with routine visits to Amtico premises in Coventry. You will be working closely with the WMG team and Amtico team evaluating the LVT samples utilising various surface, chemical and mechanical characterisation techniques. As part of the program, you will also benefit from weekly supervision and support by a WMG expert, throughout the duration of the project.
The ideal candidate will be a quick learner, able to work independently and will possess excellent chemistry and laboratory skills, with an interest for plastics processing.
This internship will benefit you to:
- Gain experience in industry, working closely with a leading LVT flooring company and learning about manufacturing processes and R&D
- Maximise your skills in materials characterisation as a chemist, working with state-of-the-art WMG equipment
- Project management and problem-solving skills
- Utilising your knowledge and skills in real world applications
About the company:
Amtico is a design-focused flooring company recognized for its leadership in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) manufacturing and design. With over 60 years of industry experience, Amtico has developed flexible strategies to maintain its position as a reputable design-flooring brand. The company holds professional accreditations and is acknowledged by designers, contractors, and architects for the quality of its products. Amtico’s global teams in service, manufacturing, and design contribute to the ongoing excellence of its flooring solutions. Offering a comprehensive range of products, Amtico enables designers and end users to select flooring suitable for various commercial and residential applications of any scale.
Duties and responsibilities
You will lead a project to develop a new and innovative product using recycled plastic. Continuing earlier research with the WMG, key tasks and activities will include:
- Researching and familiarising yourself with the materials, processes, chemicals and equipment useful for the project. Identifying and reviewing potential methods of improving LVT adhesion
- Producing test pieces and testing the adhesive bond strength (peel test)
- Carrying out a series of surface analysis techniques on raw materials and test samples before and after peel test to assess failure mechanisms (including microscopy and contact angle measurements)
- Carrying out selected chemical and mechanical testing methods to further analyse any materials/samples of interest, including the adhesives (FTIR, XPS, TGA, microhardness testing, etc.)
- Liaising with experts in WMG and University of Warwick to carry out any advanced characterisation techniques and conduct a root cause analysis
- Providing weekly updates to the internship supervisor and the company directors, collating results into reports and presentations
Skills and experience
ESSENTIAL:
- Graduate (2:1 minimum) or postgraduate qualified in Chemistry
- Practical laboratory or materials/chemical experience
- Good understanding of chemical formulations, and how molecular properties affect real-world products
- Understanding of materials manufacturing or production, specifically plastics
- Good verbal and written communication, time management and organisational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, self-motivated, driven and proactive
DESIRABLE:
- Research/project experience in plastics and polymers
- Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures, testing techniques and health and safety
- An understanding and appreciation of polymers and surface engineering
Location
• Kingfield Road, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV6 5AA. • WMG Campus, University Way, Coventry, CV4 7AL
Additional information
- Start and end date: ASAP for 8 weeks
- Deadline to apply: Wednesday 4th February
Please provide a CV and cover letter with your application.
Please note upon applying for this role you are consenting to your contact details being shared directly with the hiring manager.
Apply for job