New Categories R&D Sustainability Undergraduate Placement

Job Details

New Categories R&D Sustainability Undergraduate Placement

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

This placement is with our Sustainability team and will focus on the environmental impacts of our New Category products. Climate Change and excessive resource use are global issues impacting our planet and society, as well as our business and supply chain. Managing materials as part of a circular economy means reusing materials to decrease the costs and environmental impacts associated with raw material extraction and transport. Our function’s responsibility within the low carbon strategy and circular economy consists of increasing the use of sustainable materials, designing for end of life, and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. This role will predominantly be responsible for supporting the Life Cycle Analysis, Environmental Impact Mapping, circularity, and carbon reduction activities of our New Categories products to help deliver our business targets.  

What you will do during the placement

• Supporting the Life Cycle Analysis of BAT’s New Category products
• Processing data and conducting trend analysis on the environmental impact of our New Category products
• Updating key performance metrics on circularity
• Supporting design teams with alternative materials and designs for lower carbon initiatives

What you will bring to the role

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Material or Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong collaboration skills
• Eagerness to learn
• Stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders
• Data analysis and attention to detail
• Excellent presentation skills
• Environmental and sustainability knowledge, as well as a passion for sustainability

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.