Analytical Discovery Scientist

Location: Marchwood

Location:

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

Pay: £29.71 per hour (PAYE)

Role Overview

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.

Key Objectives & Expectations

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

Impact on the Organisation

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

Key Responsibilities

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

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

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…