Science Plans & Claims Undergraduate Placement

Job Details

Science Plans & Claims Undergraduate Placement

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

This placement is within our Science Plans & Claims Team and will focus on delivering science to support new product launches and answering wider scientific questions. During this placement, you will manage several key science activities and projects to support the understanding of toxicant drivers in New Category products/. You will further learn to understand the impact of new innovations on wider science and tobacco harm reduction questions and will be responsible for scoping and defining scientific studies, conducting/supporting testing, analysing data, and producing insights with respect to these scientific questions.

What you will do during the placement

• Supporting the scientific testing of New Category products to understand key toxicant questions
• Delivering key science activities and projects within the Science Plans & Claims team
• Critically reviewing existing knowledge and developing the capability of designing and conducting robust scientific studies
• Supporting the delivery of technical reviews (data review and presenting), focused on key outcomes and recommendations, in a fast-paced development focused environment

What you will bring to the role

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related discipline
• Experience with scientific data analysis
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong time management and communication skills
• Ability to critically evaluate scientific problems as well as the ability to design and conduct experiments from first principles

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.

About BAT

BAT is a global tobacco and Next Generation Products company with brands sold in over 200 markets. We are a diverse and inclusive company, and our business benefits from the breadth of ideas and experiences our employees bring.

Traditional tobacco products are our core business. However, we are also committed to developing and selling potentially less risky alternatives to regular cigarettes, such as vapour and tobacco heating products. 

We make significant investments in research and development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We have an extensive scientific research program in a broad spectrum of scientific fields including molecular biology, toxicology and chemistry. Through our research, we aim to increase the scientific understanding of the harm caused by the use of tobacco and nicotine products and seek to apply this knowledge to develop potentially reduced-risk products. 

In the UK, we offer 12-month placement opportunities 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.

Training and development is provided throughout the placement with successful applicants having 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.

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.