Junior Scientist

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 a JUNIOR SCIENTIST in Southampton.

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

The Junior Scientist role will contribute to the design and delivery of applied science projects through the application of robust methods of experimentation, to advance fundamental product science understanding of the modern oral product category. In addition, the role will provide general scientific guidance as required to product development teams working on heated products and vapour products.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organisation?

This role will assist the Senior Scientist and Scientist II roles across multiple projects, contributing specific technical guidance to aid product development, whilst managing own projects. The output of the team supports the development of future technologies and products.

Reports to: Head of Applied Science

Number of Direct Reports: N/A

Core Relationships: Internal-Scientists and Senior Technologists within the team and from other teams including Analytical, Product Development, NC R&D Management;
External– Analytical providers and technology partners

Geographic Scope: Global

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage own projects focusing on core Applied Science objectives. With the support of Senior Scientists, create study plans, be responsible for robust data generation (working with both internal and external laboratories), data processing and summarizing, and reporting.
• Develop an understanding of product specific science, deliver the required activities in line with project timescales and launch deadlines and develop in‑depth knowledge of product and product testing requirements, to aid the assessment of product performance and to identify key product levers to support product development.
• Work closely with the Scientist II and Senior Scientist roles to execute elements of applied science activities with the aim to be upskilled and build personal capability, acquiring greater depth and breadth of knowledge in the product category.
• Have versatility in working across multiple projects within the team/area, leveraging specific technical expertise to support project execution.
• Escalate any issues within the project delivery to senior scientists to ensure risks/difficulties are dealt with in a timely manner and knowledge gaps are thus filled.
• Ensure the confidentiality of technology and compositions which ensure the uniqueness of BAT output and feed into the generation of intellectual property.

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

• Demonstrated previous experience in product testing techniques (e.g. analytical) and design experiments to produce robust scientific studies to support product development, including the identification of product performance levels.
• To have knowledge of New Category Products composition, function, operating principles and testing approaches.
• Experience in the interpretation of scientific data to inform agile product development.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and with external vendors.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Ability to apply scientific learnings from first principles to enable effective delivery of product science testing solutions.
• Takes accountability and works proactively.
• Strong skills in the interpretation of data and reporting (written and verbal).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to develop both individual and team technical capabilities.

Education / Professional Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Degree‑level qualification in a relevant field of science (i.e., chemistry, materials science, food science, physicochemistry, etc.).

What we offer you

• We offer a market‑leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work‑life…