Chemosensory Scientist in Southampton

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.

This is a key role within the Chemosensory team, focused on decoding and monitoring sensory elements of prototypes early in the innovation funnel using a combination of instrumental analytics, sensory science, and data‑driven approaches across new categories and FMC.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute sensory and analytical activities to support Product Development and Innovation projects.
• Generate technical insights to identify key sensory drivers of product performance and positive consumer perception.
• Deliver hands‑on laboratory work, including sample preparation and execution of studies using GC and related analytical techniques in the Southampton laboratories.
• Contribute to the effective operation of the Chemosensory laboratory, ensuring reliable workflows, high‑quality outputs, and adherence to Environment Health and Safety and quality standards.
• Provide guidance and consultancy to the technical community, supporting the development and embedding of robust and scalable ways of working.

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

• Enables high‑quality, reliable chemosensory data generation to support early‑stage innovation decisions.
• Strengthens lab capability through consistent, compliant, and efficient execution of analytical workflows.
• Drives better product understanding by translating complex sensory and analytical data into actionable insights.
• Supports global Research & Development teams with critical input for product optimisation and development.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:

• Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the Chemosensory laboratory, ensuring efficient, reliable, and compliant execution of analytical and sensory activities.
• Apply strong expertise in flavour chemistry and GC‑based analytical techniques to support experimental delivery and technical problem‑solving.
• Deliver actionable sensory and analytical insights at project and category level to support product optimisation and innovation decisions.
• Design, execute, and report experimental studies, including protocol development, data analysis, and communication of results to stakeholders.
• Own and maintain analytical capabilities, including GC‑based methodologies, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and high‑quality outputs.
• Ensure laboratory equipment performance, maintenance, and availability, proactively identifying issues and driving resolution and ensure full compliance with Environment Health and Safety and quality standards, maintaining audit readiness and safe working practices.
• Plan and deliver chemosensory activities on time and in full, aligned to project priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Identify capability gaps and propose fit‑for‑purpose solutions, including improvements to methods, processes, and equipment.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support delivery, prioritisation, and continuous improvement of laboratory outputs.
• Track utilisation, throughput, and spend in line with financial and operational processes and maintain continuous professional development to ensure up‑to‑date technical and scientific capability.

What are we looking for?

• Knowledge and experience in flavour chemistry, preferably within FMCG area and Research & Development function.
• In‑depth knowledge of instrumental techniques applicable for flavour analysis in complex matrices.
• Planning and implementation skills; ability to influence key stakeholders up to senior level.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of projects.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required:

• Professional/academic achievement in Life Sciences, Food chemistry, Biochemistry or a related science at MSc, MPhil, or PhD level.
• Broad and deep analytical and chemical knowledge is required of a wide range of sensory‑active substances, precursors thereof and flavour formation processes.
• Relevant technical experience resulting in in‑depth knowledge and application of best technical practice, analytical method development and validation using complex instrumental analysis techniques (including GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, HPLC/MS, HPLC/MS/MS).
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders cross‑functionally and communicate in clear and simple terms.
• Effectively manage knowledge, promote cross‑functional communication, and build effective relationships both internally and externally.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required:

• Professional/academic achievement in Life Sciences, Food chemistry, Biochemistry or a related science at MSc, MPhil, or PhD level.

BENEFICIAL:

• Experience in Digital and Data Science (Multivariate analysis, Programming in R Statistics).
• Project Management Experience.

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. At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as 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, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives. We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re‑enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their 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. We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.