Liquids Discovery Placement 2027

BAT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Meal Voucher/Canteen

Private Pension

Life & Health Insurance

Yearly bonus based on ABS

Flexible holiday plan

Job summary

British American Tobacco UK invites undergraduates to join the Liquids Discovery team in Southampton for a 12‑month placement. You will learn how liquids are designed, formulated and manufactured, lead a project to invent novel technology, and work with our Patents team to protect new inventions.

You will be mentored, have regular reviews, and engage in a broad spectrum of scientific activities across chemistry, biology, data science and engineering within BAT’s New Categories R&D.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Interest in liquids discovery and formulation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead an innovation project from concept to invention in liquids.
• Design experiments and conduct lab-based research.
• Analyse results and recommend next steps.
• Present findings to scientists and business stakeholders.
• Develop project management and stakeholder communication skills.

Skills

Chemistry

Lab techniques

Education

Undergraduate degree in Chemistry or related

Job description

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – LIQUIDS DISCOVERY in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related subject to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Liquids Discovery Team, part of BAT’s New Categories R&D that develops the next generation of liquid technologies used in our products. You will learn how the liquids are designed, formulated and manufactured, lead a project to invent novel technology and work with our Patents team to help protect new inventions.

A bit more about BAT and our undergraduate placement scheme:

We make significant investments in Research and Development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate our Smokeless Products and apply the highest standards for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research program which spans a broad spectrum of scientific fields - including molecular biology, human biology, toxicology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sensorial science, data science, computer science, product design, and engineering disciplines.

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2027) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management. Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical discipline.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands-on’ role would be useful but not essential.

This role is due to start in September 2027, and we will be shortlisting applications and carrying out video/ online interviews whilst the advert is live. We will look to make an offer to the successful candidate as close to the closing date as possible. However, the vetting and onboarding processes for successful candidates won’t begin until the role is opened in our system, which is likely to be later in 2027, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these processes when the position opens.

Your key responsibilities will include:

You will be leading an innovation project from concept through to invention. It will involve you:

• Learning the science behind liquid formulations and product performance.
• Designing experiments and conducting lab-based research
• Analysing experimental results and recommending next steps.
• Presenting findings to scientists and business stakeholders
• Strengthening professional skills to manage projects, present to stakeholders and drive decision making.

What are we looking for?

Based in our Global R&D centre in Southampton, you will work alongside scientists and Engineers responsible for delivering innovations to markets around the world. We are looking for:

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry related areas.
• Scientific curiosity and critical thinking and tenacity when solving technical challenges.
• Practical application of theory to develop prototypes for technical evaluation.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to technology that will ultimately become part of future BAT products used by consumers around the world.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
• Benefits:
• Meal Voucher/ Canteen as per location
• Private Pension
• Life & Health Insurance
• Yearly bonus based on the ABS
• Family support policy
• Office perks
• Flexible policy as per agreed Second Level agreement.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.