Sustainability Intern

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Sustainability, 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 New Category R&D Sustainability Team and will focus on the Environmental Impacts of our New Category products. Climate Change is a global issue impacting our planet and society, as well as our business and supply chain. Excessive resource use and waste are damaging to the environment in many ways including contributing to climate change, destruction of natural habitats and creating plastic pollution.

Managing materials as part of a circular economy means they can be used again and also decreases the costs and environmental impacts associated with raw material extraction and transport. R&D’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, Eco Design, circularity and carbon reduction activities of our New Categories products to help deliver our 2030 and beyond corporate targets. In addition, the intern will be working on developing our sustainable materials database along with partners in Design and Materials Engineering.

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.

This role is due to start in September 2027, and we will be shortlisting applications and carrying out video/ online interviews whilst the advert is live. We will look to make an offer to the successful candidate as close to the closing date as possible. However, the vetting and onboarding processes for successful candidates won’t begin until the role is opened in our system, which is likely to be later in 2027, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these processes when the position opens.

We reserve the right to close this advert before the 31st of December if we have a high level of applications.