Packaging 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 – NEW PACKAGING MATERIALS AND SUSTAINABILITY in Southampton - Fixed-term (12 months)

Help us discover what’s next in packaging

We are looking for a curious and enthusiastic student to join our New Packaging Materials and Sustainability team in Southampton for a 12-month placement.

You will work alongside scientists, engineers and packaging specialists on real challenges facing the future of packaging. This is an opportunity to take what you’re learning at university and apply it in a global R&D environment, while gaining hands‑on experience with new materials, emerging technologies and sustainable packaging solutions.

This placement will support our future innovation pipeline across all packaging types including plastic & paper. You will help take ideas from early research and concept development through prototyping, feasibility assessment and technology validation.

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 on 1st 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 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.

No two projects will be the same. During your internship you will

• Explore emerging packaging materials, coatings, technologies and formats through research, benchmarking and supplier scouting.
• Support innovation projects, helping evaluate promising ideas and technologies.
• Get hands‑on with packaging samples, prototypes, laboratory testing and experiments.
• Investigate sustainable packaging topics, including recyclability, material reduction, circularity and alternative materials.
• Support selected future‑focused projects and help manage agreed activities, timelines and deliverables.
• Turn data into…