Experienced In Vitro Toxicology 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!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an EXPERIENCED IN VITRO TOXICOLOGY SCIENTIST in Southampton

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

To provide technical direction, execution and delivery for the development and application of in vitro Regulatory (Genetic) Toxicology to support the Preclinical Science programme.

To be accountable for supporting the development of tools, knowledge and data in preclinical sciences across all BAT categories.

Complete pre-clinical capabilities, inclusive of in silico, in vitro and in vivo models, for predominantly regulatory submissions, inclusive of but not limited to FDA authorizations and approvals.

The role will be accountable for driving the tools, knowledge and data in preclinical sciences across all BAT categories.

The primary purpose of preclinical data is to satisfy BATs’ duty of care by substantiating consumer product safety, meeting regulatory obligations and providing scientific substantiation of health‑related claims such as reduced risk versus cigarettes.

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

• Providing reliable, powerful, fit for purpose in vitro Regulatory Toxicology data to support BAT’s New Categories product innovation lifecycle and THR ambition.
• Supporting Quality Growth with in vitro Regulatory Toxicology data to enable foundational product understanding, product stewardship and regulatory submission.
• Supporting Sustainable Future and THR with innovative in vitro Regulatory Toxicology data, enabling regulatory engagement, scientific communications and collaborations.

Reporting Information

• Reports to: Senior Scientist - Regulatory Toxicology
• Number of Direct Reports: 0
• Core Relationships: Internal–Scientific Research, New Categories R&D, Procurement, US Submissions Teams; External– 3rd Party suppliers, CROs, NGOs, academic and industry consultants
• Geographic Scope: Global
• Travel Required: Infrequent

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Application of expert knowledge in the development and application of in vitro Regulatory (Genetic) Toxicology to achieve business unit goals.
• To input into the technical application of the Regulatory Toxicology team to develop, deliver and ensure fit‑for‑purpose in‑house testing capabilities and defined requirements to support Quality Growth -product innovation and PLM, and Sustainable Future- THR sciences and regulatory engagement.
• Initiator or lead representative in interactions with internal partners and cross‑functional teams (eg across Preclinical, Advanced Analytical, Toxicology, Clinical, Portfolio Management, QA) or 3rd party external technical partners.
• Ensure that data generated is timely, fit for purpose and meeting the appropriate quality requirements (data standards, RDRT) and business needs, harnessing approaches aligned to the digital transformation roadmap.
• Maintain clear ways of working and adherence to key processes, providing clear technical leadership, maintaining a culture of continuous improvement.
• Author, deliver and peer‑review of R&S reports, internal and external publications and presentations.
• Understands and accountable for the Regulatory Toxicology team’s compliance to HTA and responsibilities under the EH&S policy.
• Supervise the competitor landscape in the field of preclinical science and in vitro Regulatory Toxicology and a application of project management and planning while completing tasks in accordance with BAT R&D business strategy and the code of business conduct.

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in in vitro Regulatory Toxicology to enable the in‑house development of Neutral Red, Ames and in vitro micronucleus testing capabilities.
• Proven track record in the application of in vitro approaches in the preclinical field to bridge to clinical endpoints and human health effects.
• Knowledge of applying bioinformatics tools to process and assess biological data, and meeting appropriate data quality standards.
• Experience in the application of standard processes in preclinical approaches and knowledge of associated regulatory guidelines such as OECD, ECVAM, ICCVAM and covering the best technical practice in method validation, method transfer and new capability builds.
• Experience in the operational running and governance of preclinical approaches in a controlled quality assured environment such as GIVIMP / GxP compliant laboratory.
• Proven track record including internal business reports and delivery of conference materials and external peer‑reviewed manuscript.
• Expertise in basic IT (Word/ Excel/ PowerPoint) and the application of bioinformatics, data analysis/computational tools.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Proficiency in the development and application of in vitro Regulatory Toxicology testing including Neutral Red, Ames and in vitro micronucleus testing capabilities across Preclinical Sciences and application of knowledge to enable best technical practice.
• Proficiency in sophisticated in vitro cell culture, exposure techniques, analysis of data and contextualising results to enable extrapolation and bridging to and from analytical, human use behaviour and clinical data.
• Understanding of product design and consumer use on the development and application of the Neutral Red, Ames and in vitro micronucleus testing capabilities using appropriate test matrices.
• Leading and delivery of in vitro Regulatory Toxicology approaches to support Quality Growth through product innovation lifecycle and PLM.
• Leading and delivery of in vitro Regulatory Toxicology approaches to support Sustainable Future and THR, underpinning Adverse Outcome Pathway frameworks and innovative in vitro disease modelling.
• Senior partner engagement, ensuring timely communication in clear and simple terms.
• Supporting the development and leadership of external scientific collaborations to enable Preclinical Sciences method acceptance, and external endorsement supported by in vitro Regulatory Toxicology approaches, via technology transfer and third‑party cross‑laboratory validation studies.
• Provision of appropriate technical supervision/ mentor to support across the Regulatory Toxicology team and adherence to financial process and controls, supporting budget forecasting, planning and tracking spend.
• Drives single point of accountability, ability to identify and make suitable interventions to ensure project delivery.
• Proven track record in delivering work program independently and across teams- to achieve goals and agreed outputs and focused delivery OTIF, leads by example, seizes opportunities to benefit team and R&S and proven skills at scientific communication to technical and non‑technical, internal and external audiences.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Relevant professional / academic achievement equivalent to 1st or 2nd Degree in Biological Sciences or related science.

BENEFICIAL

• Solid understanding of BAT products and or testing of aerosols.
• Experience with project management techniques.
• Relevant society and or professional body membership e.g. Society of Toxicology (SoT), European Society for Toxicology (ESTIV), Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

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.