Undergraduate Intern in Chemistry - Science Plans & Claims 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!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an Undergraduate Intern – Science Plans & Claims – Fixed-term (12 months). We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry (or a related subject) to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is within our Science Plans & Claims Team and will focus on delivering science to support new product launches and answering wider scientific questions. During this placement, you will manage several key science activities and projects, to support the understanding of toxicant drivers in New Category products, as well as understanding the impact of the new innovations on wider science and tobacco harm reduction questions. You will also be responsible for scoping and defining scientific studies, conducting/supporting testing, analysing data and producing insights with respect to these scientific questions.

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 Potentially Reduced Risk Products (PRRPs) 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 2026) 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.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the scientific testing of New Category products to understand key toxicant questions.
• Delivering key science activities and projects within the Science Plans & Claims team.
• Critically reviewing existing knowledge and developing the capability of designing and conducting robust scientific studies.
• Supporting the delivery of technical reviews (data review and presenting), focused on key outcomes and recommendations, in a fast-paced development focused environment.

What are we looking for?

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a similar discipline.
• Experience with scientific data analysis.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, good time management and excellent communication skills.
• Scientific curiosity and critical thinking.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

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.
• You will 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. 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.