Packaging Placement 2027 in Southampton

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.

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

No two projects will be the same. During your internship you will

• 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
• Private Pension
• Life & Health Insurance
• Yearly bonus based on the ABS

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