Modern Oral Substrate Innovation Intern

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – MODERN ORAL SUBSTRATE INNOVATION (Materials & Product) in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Chemistry or 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 one of BAT's fastest-growing product categories and continues to be a key area of innovation within R&D. This placement is with our Modern Oral Substrate Innovation Team and will focus on the evaluation, development and testing of novel materials, substrate technologies and product concepts for oral nicotine pouches. The successful candidate will play a hands‑on role in generating technical evidence, developing prototypes, and supporting the future innovation pipeline for the category.

The team is responsible for developing and evaluating innovative product technologies designed to enhance the consumer experience and support future product platforms. The role offers opportunities to collaborate with internal R&D teams, external technology partners and centres of excellence across BAT's global innovation network

This internship will allow the candidate to:

• Apply scientific first principles to solve real product development challenges
• Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate novel materials and technologies
• Develop prototypes and conduct performance testing at laboratory and pilot scale
• Analyse technical data and translate findings into clear recommendations
• Work alongside scientists, engineers, product developers and external technology partners
• Build technical, project management and stakeholder engagement skills within a global R&D organisation

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 Smokeless Products 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 in September 2027) 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…