Trainee (m/f/div) Research, Development & Innovation

Application requirement: A completed doctoral degree with above‑average results is required for the application, and it must be finished by October 30, 2026.

What We Offer

You have completed your studies or are about to graduate and are eager to contribute your knowledge and creative ideas to our company?

Over a period of 18 months, you will gain comprehensive insights into the field of Research, Development & Innovation at various locations within an international environment and actively shape the future of Evonik’s portfolio. You will be supported by experienced colleagues from the Research, Development & Innovation area. You will also be guided by mentors from the leadership team and develop your professional and methodological skills both on‑the‑job and off‑the‑job through workshops and seminars.

You will have the opportunity to work on a project with other Evonik trainees, focusing on social and sustainability‑related topics. During a three‑month international assignment, you will also deepen your global competencies.

 

Please submit your complete online application by April 15, 2026. This allows us to process your application efficiently while also protecting the environment.
A complete application includes a cover letter, CV, employer and degree certificates, and—if applicable - current academic transcripts.
You can expect feedback by the end of April 2026. If your application convinces us, the first step will be an online assessment test. This will be followed by an initial interview via Microsoft Teams.
The final selection will take place at 18.06.2026 as part of a digital assessment center.

The trainee program will start on November 1, 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting career within the Evonik Group. We look forward to receiving your application!

You can learn more about trainees from our other trainee programs here:
Trainee Programs for Young Professionals - Evonik Industries

Responsibilities

As a part of the trainee program, you will get a broad overview of the Research, Development & Innovation department of Evonik. You will get to know different innovation areas and functions, work on innovation projects in Germany and abroad and gain insights into the innovation strategy.

• You will have the opportunity to expand your technical expertise and apply it within the field of Research, Development & Innovation

• Assignments at various locations, business lines, and departments will enable you to build a strong network within the Research, Development & Innovation community

• During your international assignment, you will gain experience with different processes, programs, and tools in both national and international contexts

• You can look forward to taking on independent project responsibilities within operational management as preparation for future leadership and/or expert roles in Research, Development & Innovation

• You will receive mentoring from experienced managers and work collaboratively and across disciplines with other trainees in the Group

 

Requirements

• You have successfully completed your academic studies and doctorate in chemistry, biochemistry, or business chemistry with above‑average results

• You have gained initial practical and international experience through an internship of at least three months

• You possess very good German and English language skills

• You have excellent analytical abilities and can develop creative solutions

• You are a team player; openness, initiative, strong communication skills, and a flexible working and thinking style are among your strengths

• You are willing to be nationally and internationally mobile during and after the program

 

Your Benefits

With us, it's not just performance-related pay and support for your personal development and professional qualifications that are a matter of course. Discover your other benefits with us:

• Permanent employment: After successfully completing the trainee program, you will be offered a permanent position

• Working hours: Standard 37.5‑hour week with flextime arrangements

• Vacation: 30 days of vacation plus additional leave

• Compensation: Above‑average remuneration, profit‑sharing, and employee discounts & benefit programs

• Development: Professional development through mentoring programs and the opportunity to take on responsible tasks that prepare you for future specialist or leadership positions.

• Future: Company pension scheme & long‑term account

• Health: Comprehensive health management with a wide range of offers, including access to our in‑house fitness studios as well as diverse sports and exercise programs.

• Catering: Healthy and balanced meals in our staff restaurants

• Corporate culture: We foster an open culture with equal career opportunities for all employees in over 100 countries and view diversity as a key success factor for creativity, innovation, and sustainability

• Family & career: Support through childcare facilities, childcare allowances, holiday programs for children, and assistance services for caring for relatives (e.g., leave options)

Your Application
 

To ensure that your application is proceeded as quickly as possible and to protect the environment, please apply online via our careers portal. Further information about Evonik as Employer can be found at https://careers.evonik.com. 

Please address your application to the Talent Acquisition Manager, stating your earliest possible starting date and your salary expectations.

Your Talent Acquisition Manager:

Magdalena Los

Company is

Evonik Industries AG