Analytical Discovery Scientist

Location: Southampton (5 days on site).
Function: Research & Science / Analytical Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Tenure: Temporary position until mid March 2027.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Analytical Scientist to join the Analytical Discovery team
, providing technical leadership, delivery, and innovation across BAT's New Categories product portfolio. This role is central to the development and deployment of novel analytical approaches and cross‑category method development
, supporting product innovation, regulatory engagement, and BAT's Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) and Sustainable Future ambitions.

Operating as part of the Analytical Centre of Excellence
, the role will collaborate closely with global laboratory hubs, cross‑functional stakeholders, and external scientific partners to deliver high‑quality, fit‑for‑purpose analytical data.

• Provide technical direction, execution, and delivery of Analytical Discovery programmes, developing novel analytical methodologies to support BAT's New Categories product development
• Be accountable for the development of tools, knowledge, and analytical data across BAT's New Categories, strengthening analytical capability within the CoE
• Lead cross‑category method development to ensure robust, scalable, and accredited analytical solutions aligned to innovation and regulatory needs

• Development and application of cutting‑edge analytical capabilities
  , enabling product innovation, technical problem‑solving, patent strategy ("patent chess"), and competitor analysis
• Delivery of fast, reliable, end‑to‑end, accredited analytical data to support the full New Categories product lifecycle across:
  • Analytical CoE global hubs
  • BAT global laboratory network
  • External third‑party partners
• Support Quality Growth by providing high‑quality, defensible analytical data for:
  • Foundational product understanding
  • Product stewardship
  • Regulatory submissions
  • Competitor analysis and patents
• Enable Sustainable Future and THR ambitions through cutting‑edge analytical outputs that support regulatory engagement, scientific communications, and external collaborations

• Plan, execute, and report analytical activities using agreed methodologies, equipment, and best practice
• Lead analytical method development, validation (including ISO 17025), and routine deployment within a quality‑assured environment
• Act as a senior technical representative with cross‑functional teams and internal/external stakeholders
• Ensure analytical data meets defined quality, governance, and data standards (RDRT) while aligning with BAT's digital transformation roadmap
• Maintain clear, consistent ways of working and promote a culture of continuous improvement
• Author and deliver R&D technical reports
  , scientific publications, and internal/external presentations
• Apply project management disciplines to ensure delivery on time and in full (OTIF)
• Promote and adhere to EH&S policy and regulatory compliance
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging trends within analytical science

• Essential Experience
  • 5+ years' experience within a relevant analytical science environment
  • Extensive hands‑on experience analysing highly complex matrices using advanced analytical techniques, including:
    • Accurate mass spectrometry (LC‑MS / GC‑MS Orbitrap)
    • GC×GC‑TOFMS
    • TGA‑IST
      16‑GC‑MS
    • GC‑MS, LC‑MS, FTIR, NIR
  • Strong experience in non‑targeted screening and advanced data processing platforms
  • Expertise in isolating and measuring trace‑level compounds in complex matrices
  • Experience operating, calibrating, and maintaining whole aerosol robots / smoking engines
  • Proven experience with method development and validation in ISO 17025 and/or GxP‑compliant laboratories
  • Authoring R&D technical reports, conference materials, and peer‑reviewed publications
  • Experience with Orbitrap data processing tools (e.g. Compound Discoverer), Python, or statistical analysis is highly advantageous
• Technical, Functional & Leadership Skills
  • Broad expertise in sample preparation, wet chemistry, and advanced instrumental analysis
  • Strong awareness of emerging analytical science and technology trends
  • Experience…