Research and Development (R&D)
Research and Development gives you the chance to work on exciting engineering projects, using and developing state-of-the-art technology.
The Shell Graduate Program
As a graduate joining the Technical area of the Shell Graduate Program within Research and Development, you can expect to experience a two-and-a-half-year program comprising real-life assignment-based projects designed to broaden your development within R&D. You could have the chance to work on exciting engineering projects, using and developing state-of-the-art technology. It’s a chance for visionaries, who are curious to find out how they can make a difference, to gain unrivalled hands-on experience. Within our diverse global teams, you could find yourself working with industry experts from around the world.
Research and Development (R&D)
As part of Shell’s highly skilled R&D field you'll be instrumental in helping us meet the challenges of producing energy from alternative sources. You’ll start in either the Downstream or the Upstream areas of the business. In Downstream you could be asked to develop new catalysts, create high-performance fuels and lubricants, deliver improved chemical and refining process technologies, or work in partnership with customers on innovative products. Upstream projects include hydrocarbon exploration and recovery technologies: identifying, evaluating and unlocking difficult hydrocarbons from the subsurface with a focus on environmental impact and energy efficiency.
Treasures of Technology – From idea to deployment
Title: Treasures of Technology - From idea to deployment
Duration: 2:37 minutes
Description: Shell’s early history and 100 year anniversary
Treasures of Technology - From idea to deployment Film Transcript
[Text displays]
Treasures of technology
From idea to deployment
[Background music]
Futuristic music
[Video footage]
Large office building next to a river, building lit up at night. Sun rises.
Interview with HP Calis
[HP Calis]
Site manager SPTR & STCA
[HP]
“On the land that we’re standing now, an old gibbet[?] field, Shell started its research activities in 1914. Back then there was only a small, austerely furnished lab, nine employees, real pioneers, started writing a special history.”
[Video footage]
Inside large glass atrium, looking down from a balcony. Book opens, drawing of a small, basic building on first page. Drawing turns into a black and white photograph of building. Pages flip forward to a drawing of a small group of people. Drawing becomes black and white photo of people in a lab, posing for the camera.
[HP]
“The first activities involved paraffins. It was a time that petrol was still an unpleasant by-product, a product one had to get rid of. But the enormous growth in motorised traffic required ever more petrol and also asphalt. The world changed rapidly and the demand for energy and related products was ever increasing. As a result, the lab grew quickly and the number of activities and pioneers increased. Ever since that first day in 1914 we’ve been working together as a team to realize things that were deemed impossible.”
[Still photos]
Black and white photo of a chemistry lab. People in white lab coats with basic chemistry equipment.
Photograph of a man with a basic drill.
Man working with lab equipment while others watch.
Person working in a more sophisticated lab, larger equipment.
Large mechanical plant.
Colour photo – person working with mechanical equipment.
[Video footage]
Book flips to another page with a drawing. Drawing becomes colour photo of people on rig at sea with large equipment.
[HP]
“Ever since that first day in 1914 we’ve been working together as a team to realize things that were deemed impossible. Shell’s 100 year anniversary here in Amsterdam is not just about history. Above all it marks a new era of developments. Therefore, we’ve asked two young researchers to work together with our colleagues to publish an attractive book. After all, it’s them who represent a generation who shape the future of energy through innovation.”
[Video footage]
Shell headquarters.
Book flips open again to show drawings of two people. Drawings become photographs.
Interview with Bianca Breure
[Bianca Breure]
Researcher gas separation
[Bianca]
“A book that includes all technological achievements of 100 years of research and development would become much too voluminous. Therefore, we decided to only show a cross-section by presenting 12 different technologies. With this cross-section we give an insight on how we move from idea to deployment. And we chose to not only show production processes but also products, research methods and techniques.”
[Video footage]
Bianca working in lab.
Book flips open again to show a drawing of a person working in a modern lab. The drawing turns into a photograph. Another photograph shows mechanical equipment.
Close-up of a person’s hands as they shake a test tube in a lab.
Book flips open. Shows drawing of person working on a large pipe. Drawing turns into a photograph. Drawing of a petrol tanker on road. Drawing turns into photograph.
Interview with Constant Guedeon
[Constant Guedeon]
Researcher gas conversion
[Constant]
“Having a close look at our history really makes you realize that developments that took place 100 years ago still impact our daily lives. Can you imagine a world without petrol, without roads, without airplanes, without detergents or even raincoats? Unbelievable, right? It really gives me a kick to be part of this development and for writing a new chapter of history.”
[Video footage]
View of buildings in Amsterdam, seen across a river.
A barge floats down the river.
Canal boats lined up.
Constant talking, overlooking a large motorway.
Barges lined up at quay.
[HP]
“I feel proud of what we have achieved here in Amsterdam in 100 years. This book is but a small selection from a treasure trove. I hope you will enjoy it.”
[Video footage]
Book on balcony closes. Cover reads: Treasures of Technology.
[Graphic]
Shell logo
[Text displays]
Copyright Shell International Limited 2014
Roles and responsibilities
Working in R&D will provide you with a great opportunity to contribute to our drive for a cleaner global energy future. As part of the Shell Graduate Program you could take on responsibilities such as:
- Searching for and developing new catalysts
- Creating high performance fuels and lubricants
- Exploring sustainable energy technologies
- Supporting existing businesses
- Collaborating with customers on novel products
Training and development opportunities
While in the Shell Graduate Program, you'll undertake discipline-specific e-learning, face-to-face events, formal assessments and job tasks based on R&D competences. It’s a supportive environment where learning is structured, and where you'll benefit from coaching, mentoring and progress checks every six months. We want you to have the means to make significant contributions to our R&D functions and develop your career potential.
Future assignments
Once you have completed the Shell Graduate Program there is continued support with professional development. For many disciplines linked to R&D, a formal ‘Shell Advanced Technical Program’ will provide further training and development.
Alternatively, after an initial assignment, you could choose to move to a more operational role outside of R&D, often in an area with a strong connection to your first job assignment. Or, you could progress further within R&D, developing more technical depth and knowledge.
Looking for a career at Shell?
Contact us
If you need assistance and information relating to your application or the recruitment process you can contact us.
Recruitment scams
This is an important notice on fraudulent communications that have been made to members of the public.
Careers FAQs
Explore our Frequently Asked Questions and find the answers you're looking for.