Undergraduate Intern in Chemistry - Science Plans & Claims

About British American Tobacco

UK has an exciting opportunity for an Undergraduate Intern – Science Plans & Claims – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry (or a related subject) to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is within our Science Plans & Claims Team and will focus on delivering science to support new product launches and answering wider scientific questions. During this placement, you will manage several key science activities and projects, to support the understanding of toxicant drivers in New Category products, as well as understanding the impact of the new innovations on wider science and tobacco harm reduction questions.

You will also be responsible for scoping and defining scientific studies, conducting/supporting testing, analysing data and producing insights with respect to these scientific questions.

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 Potentially Reduced Risk Products (PRRPs) and apply the highest standards for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research programme 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‑month placements (starting on 1st September 2026) 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 2026, and we will be short‑listing 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 2026, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these processes when the position opens.

• Supporting the scientific testing of New Category products to understand key toxicant questions.
• Delivering key science activities and projects within the Science Plans & Claims team.
• Critically reviewing existing knowledge and developing the capability of designing and conducting robust scientific studies.
• Supporting the delivery of technical reviews (data review and presenting), focused on key outcomes and recommendations, in a fast‑paced development‑focused environment.

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a similar discipline.
• Experience with scientific data analysis.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, good time…