Actives Scientist

The British American Tobacco Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global company in Southampton seeks a New Actives Scientist to manage the product claims process for new active ingredients. Key responsibilities include developing scientific communications and supporting product development initiatives, with a focus on health and wellness. Ideal candidates will have expertise in psychology, a relevant MSc, and experience in behavioral studies. This role promotes a collaborative environment that thrives on diversity and aims to foster innovation in consumer products.

Benefits

Market leading annual performance bonus

Diverse health plans

Flexible holiday plan

Access to online learning platforms

Qualifications

• Scientist with demonstrable expertise in psychology and cognition.
• Interest in health and developing consumer products.
• Experience in designing, conducting human behavioural studies.
• Excellent understanding of statistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of the Water Street Collective product claims process.
• Support in identifying potential active ingredients for new products.
• Define new product opportunities with the R&D team.
• Develop scientific content for external communications.
• Conduct technical due diligence for investment/competitor assessments.
• Design and analyze studies on the cognitive effects of products.

Skills

Psychology

Cognition

Nutrition

Human Biology

Sports Science

Statistics

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving

Education

MSc in Psychology

MSc in Neuroscience

MSc in Biomedical Sciences

MSc in Nutritional Sciences

Job description

Overview

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a New Actives Scientist in Southampton.

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

The role will lead the day-to-day management of the Water Street Collective (TWSC) product claims process, interacting with brand, regulatory and legal teams (as well as science and product development colleagues) to ensure proposed claims are appropriately and efficiently processed, reviewed, substantiated and approved.

The role will also use their technical expertise to support the New Actives Science and Claims Lead in identifying and reviewing potential active ingredients for use in new products and reformulations. They will work in close partnership with other cross-functional teams to ensure these ingredients/stacks are palatable, safe and compliant for sale in the intended market.

The role will work alongside the wider R&D team to help define new product opportunities and conduct associated development activities.

The role will develop content for TWSC’s scientific communications workstream relating to our products, ingredients and relevant health topics. This will include traditional scientific publications and external talks, as well as working closely with our Brand team to create consumer-focused scientific content, such as blog posts, social media clips and website information.

The role will have opportunities to support the New Actives Science and Claims Lead in screening competitor products, as well as conducting technical due diligence for new BTV investment opportunities.

The role will help to design, run and analyse human behavioural studies to assess the cognitive and mood effects of ingredients and products.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

The role will lead the management of the TWSC claims process, ensuring efficient but robust review and substantiation of consumer-facing TWSC content.

The role will support numerous initiatives within TWSC’s organic and inorganic innovation pipelines. In doing so the role will also be supporting BATs beyond tobacco product category strategy.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day-to-day management of the Water Street Collective (TWSC) product claims process. This will include interacting with brand, regulatory and legal teams (as well as R&D colleagues) to ensure proposed claims are efficiently reviewed, substantiated and approved
• Supporting the New Actives Science and Claims Lead to identify and review potential active ingredients for use in new products
• Working alongside the wider R&D team to help define new product opportunities and conduct associated development activities
• Developing externally facing scientific content relating to our products, ingredients and relevant health topics. This will include traditional scientific publications and presentations, as well as working closely with our marketing team to create consumer-focused scientific content, such as blog posts, social media clips and website information
• Supporting technical due diligence for external investment/competitor assessments
• Assisting in the design, conduct and analysis of human behavioural studies to assess the cognitive and mood effects of active ingredients and products

What are we looking for?

• Scientist with demonstrable subject matter expertise in psychology, cognition, nutrition, human biology or sports science
• Interest in health and wellbeing and in developing associated consumer products
• Able to identify and critically review scientific studies (including both pre-clinical and human behavioural studies) based on prior experience in relevant field(s)
• Experience in designing, conducting and analysing human behavioural studies (specifically linked to cognition, mood, sleep or exercise)
• Good understanding of statistics
• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive, solution-focused attitude
• Self-motivated and comfortable working autonomously
• Minimally a MSc (or equivalent experience) in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Nutritional Sciences (or similar subject)

Beneficial

• A basic understanding of the regulatory and claims landscape for dietary supplements in different markets (e.g. USA, Australia, Canada)
• Experience in developing products related to consumer wellness

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

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.