Undergraduate Intern - Preclinical Sciences in Southampton

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be the Change. Come, join us on this journey!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an undergraduate intern in Preclinical Sciences in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months). We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Biology, Toxicology, Pharmacology, or a related subject to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Preclinical Sciences Team and will focus on developing and implementing in vitro toxicology approaches for the assessment of our products. The Preclinical Sciences Team are part of BAT’s Global Life Sciences function and provide expertise in in vitro and in silico toxicology. We support product development and provide scientific data to substantiate the reduced risk potential of New Category products compared to traditional cigarettes.

New Category product development is rapidly evolving, along with global regulatory frameworks and scientific testing approaches. This role will involve evaluating new approach methodologies (NAMs) for their usefulness for supporting our product pipeline. This role’s specific areas of focus will be hazard screening methodologies as well as more complex models of smoking-related diseases, and the integration of computational toxicology approaches.

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.

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities 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 2025, 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 2025.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Designing experiments and conducting lab-based research (and the associated trainings)
• Performing in vitro mammalian cell culture and toxicological assays
• Processing data and conducting statistical analysis

What are we looking for?

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Biology, Toxicology, Pharmacology, or a related subject
• Motivation to build on lab work experience, to work using aseptic techniques, and to learn aerosol exposure and cell culture skills
• Scientific curiosity and critical thinking
• Strong collaboration skills
• Ability to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences

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.

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 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.