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 - Vapour 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 BATs Vapour 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 vapour 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 Vapour Products, ensuring alignment with guidelines, ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, CORESTA standards, and internal quality expectations.

Coordinate global fitness‑for‑purpose activities for Vapour Products methods, encompassing inter‑laboratory evaluations, harmonised reference materials, and collaboration across BAT laboratories and strategic external partners.

Support internal and external audit readiness for Vapour Products 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, encouraging 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 Vapour Products analytical testing.

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

Strong technical expertise in Vapour 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 Vapour 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 Vapour 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 harmonization, including inter‑laboratory comparisons and use of harmonized 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.

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.

Scientist - Vapour Products

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