Packaging Intern

British American Tobacco; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal voucher/Canteen

Life & Health Insurance

Yearly bonus

Flexible holidays

Online learning platforms

Job summary

British American Tobacco UK invites applications for an Undergraduate Internship in New Packaging Materials and Sustainability in Southampton for a 12-month placement, starting 1 September 2027. You’ll work with scientists, engineers and packaging specialists in a global R&D setting to explore new materials and sustainable packaging solutions.

You will support idea development from concept to validation, gain hands-on experience with prototypes and testing, and be mentored throughout the scheme,

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in materials science, polymer science, packaging tech, chemistry, chemical or mechanical engineering, product design or sustainability.
• Curious, eager to learn and interested in materials and technology.
• Able to communicate clearly and work with data.

Responsibilities

• Explore emerging packaging materials, coatings and formats through research and benchmarking.
• Support innovation projects and evaluate promising ideas.
• Gain hands-on experience with prototypes, testing and experiments.

Skills

Curiosity

Data analysis

Experimentation

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in materials science

Undergraduate degree in polymer science

Undergraduate degree in packaging technology

Undergraduate degree in chemistry

Undergraduate degree in chemical or mechanical engineering

Undergraduate degree in product design

Undergraduate degree in sustainability

Tools

Lab testing

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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 an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – NEW PACKAGING MATERIALS AND SUSTAINABILITY in Southampton - Fixed-term (12 months)

Help us discover what’s next in packaging

We are looking for a curious and enthusiastic student to join our New Packaging Materials and Sustainability team in Southampton for a 12-month placement.

You will work alongside scientists, engineers and packaging specialists on real challenges facing the future of packaging. This is an opportunity to take what you’re learning at university and apply it in a global R&D environment, while gaining hands‑on experience with new materials, emerging technologies and sustainable packaging solutions.

This placement will support our future innovation pipeline across all packaging types including plastic & paper. You will help take ideas from early research and concept development through prototyping, feasibility assessment and technology validation.

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.

We reserve the right to close this advert before the 31st of December if we have a high level of applications.

What you will do:

• Explore emerging packaging materials, coatings, technologies and formats through research, benchmarking and supplier scouting.
• Support innovation projects, helping evaluate promising ideas and technologies.
• Get hands‑on with packaging samples, prototypes, laboratory testing and experiments.
• Investigate sustainable packaging topics, including recyclability, material reduction, circularity and alternative materials.
• Support selected future‑focused projects and help manage agreed activities, timelines and deliverables.
• Turn data into insights, analysing results and communicating your findings clearly in presentation and reports
• Learn from experts across R&D and our external network of suppliers, laboratories, technology partners and universities.

Who would thrive in this role?

• You are working towards an undergraduate degree in materials science, polymer science, packaging technology, chemistry, chemical or mechanical engineering, product design, sustainability or another relevant science or engineering subject.
• You are curious, eager to learn and interested in materials, sustainability, science and technology.
• You enjoy practical problem‑solving, experiments and working with data.
• You communicate clearly, collaborate well and can explain ideas to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
• Keen to bring fresh ideas and new thinking

What will you gain?

• Real‑world experience in packaging research, development and innovation.
• Hands‑on exposure to materials evaluation, prototypes, testing and sustainability assessments.
• The opportunity to work with experienced specialists and learn from suppliers, laboratories, technology partners and universities.
• The chance to develop your research, analytical, problem‑solving, teamwork and presentation skills.

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
• Meal Voucher/ Canteen as per location
• Life & Health Insurance
• Yearly bonus based on the ABS
• Family support policy
• 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.