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 Product Technology Scientist in Southampton
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
The Product Technology Scientist supports the creation and advancement of transformative technologies within the Vapour and HP categories. This role demands a deep integration of core scientific principles—such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, materials science, and aerosol physics into practical, scalable solutions that redefine consumer experiences.
This role is responsible for understanding the scientific principles of a wide range of technologies to ensure technical feasibility, the operating envelope for optimum performance and key risks to the technology. The position plays a key role within a team to deliver a pipeline of innovative technologies for HP and VP categories enabling end-to-end readiness for product launches.
What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organisation?
The Product Technology Scientist supports a future pipeline of technologies across the horizons to enhance product performance, enable BAT aerosol generating technology IP and technology performance levers for end-to-end processes. The role aligns consumer requirements and insights into real aerosol generating technologies which are verified and applicable to future platforms or upgrades to current platforms. This role also provides occasional technical expertise to support end-to-end project teams delivering new aerosol generating technologies into the market.
Success in this role requires a collaborative approach, outstanding technical competence, and the ability to clearly communicate complex scientific insights.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Technology identification and assessment
- Support the identification and assessment of aerosol generating technologies for Technology Block projects (TBs) to ensure a rich technology pipeline.
- Apply appropriate engineering and scientific methodologies to develop technologies, find the limits of functionality and optimal performance parameters.
- Drive IP generation for competitive advantage by submitting IDF’s through the technology blocks and actively engaging with the Invention Strategy and Patent teams.
- Have an in-depth knowledge of the new atomisation technologies to develop design relevant test methodologies and mitigations for new potential failure modes.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Engage early and effectively with key internal partners, including Open Innovation, Modelling & Simulation, MMPD, HSP, Invention Strategy and DVT to align requirements, timelines and data driven decision making.
- Ensure clear requirements and timely approvals for technology evaluations against PLM process.
- Aerosol Generation Verification Testing Alignment
- Align product performance requirements to engineering verification testing standards and maintain a clear process for implementing engineering verification testing standards into new routine DVT’s.
- Manage Tech Block projects and support wider team with scientific evaluation.
- Develop and maintain test capability for Technology Block projects (TBs).
- Product Performance & Insights
- Understand current market standards and performance limitations in order to develop improved systems.
- Identify drivers to performance improvements and the potential negative impacts i.e. toxicants, energy usage, robustness.
- Digest and interpret academic literature and scientific news to find opportunities for introducing new technology for product improvement.
What are we looking for?
- Proven track record in Innovative Technology Development that require MATLAB modelling of fundamental principles of complex systems or technologies.
- Strong understanding of engineering, materials and scientific principles to deliver the technical requirements, as well as proven IP generation within field, ideally with published or granted patents as named inventor.
- Strong technical project management skills and experience in leading cross-functional activities.
- A broad understanding of technology verification process requirements, and an ability to understand the applicability of current analytical verification processes to new technologies.
- Proven experience in product technology evaluation.
- Managerial/leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead/motivate peers to ensure high quality outputs.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills for senior cross-functional engagement and influencing.
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant field of study (i.e. engineering, science, etc). Post-graduate qualification preferred.
#LI-Hybrid
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.
