Scientist II - Toxicology 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!

Job Overview

This role supports the business program to shape product safety approaches for BAT smokeless and combustibles portfolio. The purpose of the role is to lead toxicological ingredient and material evaluations in accordance with guidelines from the Product Stewardship Council (PSC) in line with the R&D Policy Framework, Corporate Positions, and specific legislation for our product categories. The role will deliver toxicological programs that can unlock novel products and ingredients commercially, while supporting the communication of our science to help position BAT as industry experts whilst achieving desired business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Be a knowledgeable partner to the project teams, guiding them on the toxicology evaluations, tests and design needed to build the data packages from early-stage sensory testing of prototypes to commercial launch.
• Author, review and sign off risk assessments as part of the toxicological evaluation of new ingredients, technologies and materials.
• Support the development of strategies for toxicological evaluation of platform products, whilst challenging existing processes to identify and improve ways of working across the department with the endorsement of the Product Stewardship Council (PSC).
• Apply appropriate solutions or approaches to identify and resolve problems based on an understanding and experience of biology, toxicology or chemistry.
• Accountable to lead a sub-team within the category to effectively deliver on projects and Toxicology workstreams, whilst supporting the development needs of your team.
• Oversee the planning and execution of risk assessments, working collaboratively within the team to deliver on time and in full for the business.
• Provide training and coaching to junior members of the team and the wider business.
• Maintain and build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and designated contacts within BAT.

Core Relationships

Internal: Maintain and build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and designated contacts within BAT. Close collaboration with all Toxicology group members to highlight opportunities in new approaches, and to coach and train others in execution of activities. Principal engagement with analytical, product development, product compliance, preclinical in vitro toxicology team, legal and external affairs.

External: Maintain and build effective working relationships with external stakeholders and suppliers, e.g., consultants and suppliers. Write toxicological assessments and presentations for communication with external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Relevant science background equivalent to a degree-level qualification, preferably with a good understanding of the principles of toxicology; ideally demonstrated technical background in toxicology test packages, particularly risk assessment.
• Managing projects and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, managing changing priorities and solving complex problems.
• Proficient computing skills to facilitate use of in-house database and skilled user of Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Proven oral and written communication skills; ability to engage with and influence senior leadership.
• People leadership and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience in coaching, mentoring and training others.
• Positive can do mindset.
• Awareness of technical developments in toxicology and regulations (tobacco and consumer goods) desirable.
• Excellent communication, organisational and planning skills; ability to work both as a team member and independently.

Education & Certifications

• MSc in toxicology (or another relevant subject) - advantageous.
• Relevant science background equivalent to a higher degree-level qualification in a biology or biochemistry discipline, with good understanding of the principles of toxicology.

Beneficial (Optional)

• Understanding of regulatory toxicology frameworks for foodstuffs and cosmetics.
• Member of a relevant professional body such as the British Toxicology Society.

Benefits

• Market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Online learning platforms and personalised growth programmes to nurture leadership skills.
• Support for professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after a career break through the Global Returners programme.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

We champion collaboration, inclusion and partnership as the bedrock of our values. 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. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will provide reasonable adjustments to support applicants. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.