Register Your Interest - Psychology / Behavioural Science / Neuroscience Placement 2027

BAT; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Discretionary Bonus

Company Share Reward Scheme

Pension Participation

Group Personal Accident Insurance

Financial Education Support

Private Medical Insurance

Eye Care Vouchers

Doctor@Hand

Employee Assistance Program

On-Site Gym Access

Subsidised On-Site Lunches

25 Days Paid Annual Leave

Flexible Hybrid Working

Extensive Wellbeing Policies

Shopping Discounts and Cashback

Job summary

BAT is seeking students currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Neuroscience, or related subjects for a year-long placement at BAT Research & Development in Southampton. You will apply behaviour science to real business workstreams, lead experimental studies on product use, and collaborate across internal and external partners to deliver insights.

The program offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive salary (£26,700 per annum), discretionary bonus,

Qualifications

• Students currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Neuroscience, Social Science or related subjects.

Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in behaviour science to support business workstreams (sensory testing, product use ideation).
• Plan and lead experimental/observational studies on product use behaviour and consumer perception.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to drive projects.
• Analyse data, interpret outputs and provide recommendations to the business.
• Present learnings to the team and R&D stakeholders.
• Demonstrate and improve problem solving abilities.
• Provide guidance to the technical community to embed robust ways of working.
• Conduct literature reviews and monitor publication trends.

Skills

Behavioural Science

Experimental Design

Data Analysis

Literature Review

Stakeholder Collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree in Psychology or related

Job description

We are looking for students currently undertaking a degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Neuroscience, Social Science or a related subject, to join BAT Research & Development in Southampton for a year-long placement. Placement roles may offer students the following opportunities to apply and develop the knowledge and skills from their degree:

• Apply expertise in behaviour science to support relevant business workstreams (such as sensory testing, understanding product use and ideation for novel products)
• Plan and lead experimental and observational studies focused on product use behaviour, consumer perception, behavioural intentions and sensory attributes
• Work in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners/suppliers
• Analyse data, interpret output of technical work and make recommendations to the wider business
• Present learnings to immediate team and across R&D
• Demonstrate and improve problem solving abilities
• Provide guidance and consultancy to the technical community to establish and embed robust ways of working.
• Conduct thorough literature reviews and monitor scientific publication trends (including consumer and competitor insights)

BENEFITS

We believe internships should be rewarding in every way. That's why our program comes with a comprehensive package of financial perks and well-being benefits to support you during your journey with us.

• Competitive Salary: £26,700 per annum — a strong start to your professional journey.
• Discretionary Bonus: Get recognized through our Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• Company Share Reward Scheme: Invest in your future and share in the company’s success.
• Pension Participation: Start building for tomorrow with our Company Pension Scheme.
• Group Personal Accident Insurance: To cover you if you suffer an accident anywhere in the world
• Financial Education Support: Find out how to improve your finances and meet your financial goals via the Money Talks hub, including accessing events, animation videos and calculators.

Wellness & Health

• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive cover to keep you feeling your best
• Eye Care Vouchers: Supports regular checkups and investing in quality glasses at a reduce cost.
• Doctor@Hand: 24/7 virtual GP access for fast, expert health advice.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Mental health support, confidential counselling, and helpful health webinars.
• On-Site Gym Access & Gym Membership Discounts: Stay active with access to our in-house gym and local gym discounts.
• Subsidised On-Site Lunches: Nutritious, delicious meals at a fraction of the cost.
• 25 Days Paid Annual Leave (pro-rated)
• Flexible Hybrid Working: Embrace a balance of remote and in-office days.
• Extensive Wellbeing Policies: Designed to support employees through life’s changing moments
• Shopping Discounts and Cashback: Discounts on a variety of items from groceries to wellness products, travel and more, you can start saving more money right away, on things you’re already buying all year round.

ABOUT THE PLACEMENT SCHEME

BAT is a global multi-category consumer goods business, with brands sold in over 200 markets. Our employees come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and our business benefits from the breadth of ideas and experiences they bring. Our heritage is in cigarettes. However, we recognise the world is changing. We now have a clear purpose to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of our business.

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.

About BAT

BAT is a global tobacco and Next Generation Products company with brands sold in over 200 markets. We are a diverse and inclusive company, and our business benefits from the breadth of ideas and experiences our employees bring.

This score is based on honest feedback written by students who've worked at BAT.