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 - Oral Nicotine Products in Southampton
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
Supporting the technical direction, execution and delivery for the development and application of method validation and deployment throughout BAT’s worldwide analytical laboratory network.
Accountable for supporting the development of tools, knowledge and data in analytical sciences across all BAT’s Modern Oral Products category.
What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organisation?
- Setting the governance, direction and the strategic principles of the Analytical COE and BAT’s analytics network across the globe through appropriate governance fora
- Ensure analytical outsourcing strategy is fit for purpose and only considered to support surge in testing demand following maximized utilisation of Analytical COE capabilities
- Leadership of global analytical methods cross checks and inter-laboratory studies
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Provide technical input to develop, deliver, and maintain fit-for-purpose analytical capabilities related to oral nicotine offerings. This work spans BAT’s global laboratory network and selected external partners. It supports Quality Growth innovation, product lifecycle management (PLM), and Balanced Future / THR sciences and regulatory engagement.
- Lead and support the development, validation, deployment, and maintenance of analytical methodologies related to Oral Nicotine Products, ensuring alignment with guidelines, ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, CORESTA standards, and internal quality expectations.
- Coordinate global fitness‑for‑purpose activities for Oral Nicotine Product methods, encompassing inter‑laboratory evaluations, harmonised reference materials, and collaboration across BAT laboratories and strategic external partners.
- Support internal and external audit readiness for Oral Nicotine Product analytical activities, ensuring compliance with ISO standards, applicable regulatory expectations, and BAT quality systems.
- Define and deliver analytical strategy to ensure the best analytical solutions and external partners are selected and deployed to meet current and future business needs, including management of analytical outsourcing to address capacity or capability gaps.
- Ensure scientific integrity, data quality, and timely delivery of analytical outputs, supervising studies and projects, identifying deviations from agreed scientific or technical standards, and implementing appropriate remedial actions where required, in line with data standards and digital transformation objectives.
- Provide clear technical leadership and effective customer engagement, working closely with cross‑functional internal teams (e.g. Advanced Analytical, Toxicology, QA, Portfolio Management, NC R&D) and relevant external technical collaborators,encouragingg collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Apply effective project management, reporting, and knowledge sharing, including authoring technical and scientific reports, internal publications and presentations, maintaining EH&S responsibilities, and monitoring competitor developments in Oral Nicotine Product analytical testing.
What are we looking for?
Experience Required
- Strong technical expertise in Oral Nicotine Products analytical methods, including method development, validation, transfer, and capability build‑out, with demonstrated application of standard methodology within ISO‑accredited and/or GxP‑compliant laboratory environments.
- Extensive knowledge of Oral Nicotine Products testing requirements and analytical operations, covering ISO‑aligned approaches, inter‑laboratory study coordination and reporting, analytical equipment qualification, calibration and maintenance, as well as operation of automated testing platforms where applicable.
- Proven track record to manage and interpret analytical data and communicate outcomes effectively, including the use of informatics tools to ensure data quality and compliance, and authoring high‑quality R&S technical reports, conference materials, and contributions to external peer‑reviewed publications.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Expert knowledge in developing and validating analytical methods for Oral Nicotine Products. This ensures technical accuracy and matches product build and consumer use. It delivers fit-for-purpose analytical solutions throughout the product lifecycle and PLM.
- Proven experience supporting global method fitness‑for‑purpose and harmonisation, including inter‑laboratory comparisons and use of harmonised reference materials across BAT’s global laboratory network and strategic external partners to enable Quality Growth through innovation.
- Strong governance, audit, and customer engagement skills include planning, conducting, and reporting internal audits. These audits follow ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Clear communication with senior collaborators is essential. Leadership of external scientific collaborations supports method acceptance through technology transfer and third-party validation.
- Demonstrated accountability and delivery attitude, with experience in budget forecasting and spend tracking, driving projects as a single point of accountability, delivering outcomes OTIF, working independently and cross‑functionally, and leading by example to achieve agreed goals.
Education / Professional Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Relevant professional /academic achievement in Analytical Chemistry or related science
Beneficial
- Solid understanding of BAT products
- Experience with project management techniques
- Relevant society and/or body membership e.g. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
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.
Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of 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, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.
We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an 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.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.
