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 SCIENTIST I – NOVEL SCIENTIFIC CAPABILITIES in Southampton
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
The role of the Novel Scientific Capabilities and Foresights team (Science Discovery, R&D) is to lead the scientific development of novel capabilities that can support our Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) agenda, whilst simultaneously leading scientific foresight acquisition focused upon the identification, and subsequent evaluation, of potential scientific threats or opportunities, primarily to our nicotine portfolios.
This role will utilize a combination of internal and external collaborations to identify and establish novel scientific capabilities to better our understanding of the science of actives and products involved in BAT strategy. Primarily the role will be concerned with the development of translational capabilities, particular in silico, in vitro and ex vivo techniques, by supporting the senior scientist translational science capabilities, however, where appropriate, the candidate would be expected to support human studies. The primary purpose for conducting these studies is to satisfy BATs duty of care and regulatory obligations, ensuring the business produces efficacious products that are backed by science. A secondary purpose is to provide insights that provide a competitive advantage, through generation of novel IP and publication of findings.
The successful candidate will design and deliver novel capabilities, working with appropriate stakeholders to ensure technically robust and credible studies, ensuring these methodologies are effectively transferred into the business for continued application. They will be responsible for ensuring data is reported internally and, where appropriate, externally in the form of publications and/or conference presentations as part of a business-aligned communications strategy.
What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?
Novel capabilities will be utilized to support BATs key strategic pillars of Quality Growth, Sustainable Future and Dynamic Organization, by substantiating the health effects of using alternative tobacco and nicotine products compared to traditional cigarettes. These studies aim to support BAT’s duty of care and regulatory requirements will be prioritized.
This role directly delivers BAT’s core purpose of A Better Tomorrow, via the science and technical framework substantiating the reduction in public health impact of our business by robustly assessing the science behind our products.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Scientific technical leadership across product categories to deliver new-to-business capabilities
- Study design and execution - identifying and executing studies using the most appropriate novel capabilities to answer key business questions
- Project management, ensuring novel capabilities are delivered and transferred on time
- Data interpretation, reporting and communication skills
- Publication authorship, patent filing and conference presentation
Can this be your future role?
- Do you have knowledge of translational scientific techniques, particularly the pharmacological assessment of molecules to understand the effects that they might have on human physiology?
- Have you conducted data analysis, interpretation and scientific report writing?
- Do you enjoy presenting and communicating science to a wide range of audiences, from both technical or business strategy perspectives?
What are we looking for?
Experience Required
- Strong understanding of translational scientific techniques, for example, a background in pharmacological research or a related discipline with a good understanding of how compounds affect human physiology
- Proven track record of oral and written communication skills, including external technical scientific presentations (for example, at conferences), internal business presentations to explain complex scientific ideas clearly and succinctly, writing of scientific papers and drafting of technical reports or SOPs for internal use
- Experience in study design and execution, managing programs to deliver projects to timelines with appropriate budgetary governance
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Critical thinking and data interpretation to provide strong conclusions and business recommendations based on scientific evidence
- Proven skills at scientific communication to technical and non-technical, internal and external audiences
- Strong collaborative engagement, comfortable networking and building partnerships with external collaborators to identify and develop novel capabilities that can strengthen BAT’s scientific agenda
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Minimally a BSc in a life science or relevant subject. PhD in a life science discipline is preferable.
BENEFICIAL
- Experience in designing, developing and executing In Silico, In Vitro and Ex Vivo
- Proven track record of working in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to deliver projects on time and in line with budgetary expectations
Please note that we are currently looking to fill 2 positions.
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 balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.
