Sensory Insights Undergraduate Placement

Job Details

Sensory Insights Undergraduate Placement

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Psychology, Applied Mathematics, Food Technology or Marketing (or a related subject) to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Sensory Insights Team and will focus on managing a specific project that aims to contribute towards our transformation journey - transforming sensory into a capability which enables successful consumer experiences. The team designs sensory testing approaches using the right methods and panels to answer various business questions, analysing and interpreting the data to build an understanding of how to drive consumer experiences. The team also analyses and interprets the sensory data to drive actionable insights.

What you will do during the placement

• Scoping, planning and executing a project related to the development of a new sensory methodology to test products within the Wellness and Stimulation category.
• Validating the methodology to ensure that it is fit for purpose and that it delivers data and insights to drive decisions.
• Collaborating across functions and working with key stakeholders to drive the project forward.
• Ensuring the data quality through checks and assessments
• Providing high quality presentations on the project scope, progress made, challenges and outputs.
• Writing reports on the method outputs, issuing recommendations, and discussing next steps and future application.

What you will bring to the role

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Applied Mathematics, Food Technology, Marketing or related subject
• Be self-motivated and proactive, with good time management and organizational skills
• Excellent presentation and analytical skills
• Collaborative and positive attitude 
• Ability to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Psychological understanding of behaviours and technical understanding to shape future products around the world.

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.