Modern Oral Undergraduate Placement

Job Details

Modern Oral Undergraduate Placement

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

Modern Oral (oral nicotine pouches) is a new category with continued growth in the number of users and volume over 2024. This placement is with our Modern Oral Team and will focus on the evaluation of novel technologies and building fundamental product knowledge. This is critical for the development of new Modern Oral products to deliver maximum satisfaction, whilst offering a range of consumer-centric products and maintaining our leadership position in the market. This role will entail fostering collaboration with internal and external partners, vendors, research organisations and centres of excellence within R&D for this fast-paced product category.

What you will do during the placement

• Identify and develop enabling technologies for consumer-centric products in Modern Oral
• Project management, experimental design, lab-based prototyping and testing
• Work with a wide range of key internal stakeholders to design, manufacture and test samples
• Peer review results and recommendations and potential external stakeholders for development
• Independently manage work plans to ensure timely achievement of project milestones and objectives
• Align project deliverables with business objectives

What you will bring to the role

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Materials Science, or a closely related subject
• Experience with experimental design
• Strong analytical skills
• Hands-on approach to prototyping and testing
• Proactiveness, eagerness to learn, and willingness to ask questions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong collaboration skills

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.