Vapour Consumables Discovery Undergraduate Placement

Job Details

Vapour Consumables Discovery Undergraduate Placement

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

This placement is with our Vapour Consumables Discovery Team and will focus on the development of new vapour innovations, encompassing formulation development and product science related to e-liquids and vaping products. The scope for vapour innovations includes improving consumer experience with new product concepts that target key opportunity areas, as well as verifying novel technologies that can be applied to future product development. This role will support one or more of the above focus areas, utilising analytical testing and sensory evaluation with consumers to generate adequate insight and data to support product development.

What you will do during the placement

• Designing experiments and conducting laboratory-based research, including prototype sample manufacture and physico-chemical analysis using a range of scientific methods
• Supporting with data generation on e-liquid product assessment (analytical and sensorial), processing data and conducting statistical analysis
• Organising sensorial assessments on newly developed e-liquid prototypes
• Collaborating with subject matter experts to scope previous learnings and establishing robust design of experiment, methods of product assessment and evaluations
• Liaising with product support functions to ensure prototypes meet regulatory and safety requirements suitable for testing
• Working with external analytical suppliers to establish accurate methods of assessing product performance over time through collaboration and knowledge of analytical or applied chemistry
• Collaborating effectively with colleagues in the Vapour Consumables team, internal stakeholders, and external partners
• Communicating progress/updates proactively to key stakeholders via presentations, reports and meetings.

What you will bring to the role

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic or Applied) or a related subject
• Motivation to learn the fundamentals of e-liquid formulation design
• A consumer centric attitude with an interest in solving complex scientific challenges and an eye for research, product design, and development of consumer goods
• Strong collaboration and leadership 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.