Toxicology Undergraduate Placement

Job Details

Toxicology Undergraduate Placement

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Biomedical Science, or related subject, to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is within our Toxicology Team and will focus on investigating the fundamental drivers of toxicological risk in novel product categories, contributing to the overall understanding of product toxicology, and supporting the development of tools and approaches to increase the efficiency of toxicological evaluations. In this role, you will have the opportunity to gain insights into how the risk assessment process is performed and develop data handling, report writing, and presentation skills. You will have exposure to an evolving and exciting array of product developments and understand how to apply first-principles toxicology to understand the risks associated with those. You will also have the opportunity to work with industry experts from across the business and learn how Toxicology is applied in a practical setting in a large organization.

What you will do during the placement

• Understand and present the current data landscape for a particular subject matter (literature review of internal and externally published information)
• Assist with designing and running a work package investigating fundamental drivers of toxicological risk in a novel product category, including chemical and biological studies
• Support the development of tools and approaches to increase the efficiency of toxicological evaluation
• Form critical working relationships and collaborate with subject matter experts within the Toxicology team, and across the wider R&D function, by acting as key point of contact for the project

What you will bring to the role

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related subject
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to process and handle different types of data

What you will receive  

• Salary of £24,000 per annum
• Subsidised on-site gym membership
• Subsidised lunches
• 25 days annual leave
• Free on-site parking
• Participation in the Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
• Participation in the Company Share Reward Scheme
• Participation in the Company Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare Cover
• Eligibility for Company Flexible Benefits Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programs to nurture your leadership skills

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 2025) 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.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.