Analytical Discovery Scientist

Location: Southampton (5 days on site)
Function: Research & Science / Analytical Centre of Excellence (CoE)
Tenure: Temporary position until mid March 2027

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Analytical Scientist to join the Analytical Discovery team, providing technical leadership, delivery, and innovation across BAT's New Categories product portfolio. This role is central to the development and deployment of novel analytical approaches and cross‑category method development, supporting product innovation, regulatory engagement, and BAT's Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) and Sustainable Future ambitions.

Operating as part of the Analytical Centre of Excellence, the role will collaborate closely with global laboratory hubs, cross‑functional stakeholders, and external scientific partners to deliver high‑quality, fit‑for‑purpose analytical data.

Key Objectives & Expectations

• Provide technical direction, execution, and delivery of Analytical Discovery programmes, developing novel analytical methodologies to support BAT's New Categories product development
• Be accountable for the development of tools, knowledge, and analytical data across BAT's New Categories, strengthening analytical capability within the CoE
• Lead cross‑category method development to ensure robust, scalable, and accredited analytical solutions aligned to innovation and regulatory needs

Impact on the Organisation

• Development and application of cutting‑edge analytical capabilities, enabling product innovation, technical problem‑solving, patent strategy ("patent chess"), and competitor analysis
• Delivery of fast, reliable, end‑to‑end, accredited analytical data to support the full New Categories product lifecycle across:
• Analytical CoE global hubs
• BAT global laboratory network
• External third‑party partners
• Support Quality Growth by providing high‑quality, defensible analytical data for:
• Foundational product understanding
• Product stewardship
• Regulatory submissions
• Competitor analysis and patents
• Enable Sustainable Future and THR ambitions through cutting‑edge analytical outputs that support regulatory engagement, scientific communications, and external collaborations

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and report analytical activities using agreed methodologies, equipment, and best practice
• Lead analytical method development, validation (including ISO 17025), and routine deployment within a quality‑assured environment
• Act as a senior technical representative with cross‑functional teams and internal/external stakeholders
• Ensure analytical data meets defined quality, governance, and data standards (RDRT) while aligning with BAT's digital transformation roadmap
• Maintain clear, consistent ways of working and promote a culture of continuous improvement
• Author and deliver R&D technical reports, scientific publications, and internal/external presentations
• Apply project management disciplines to ensure delivery on time and in full (OTIF)
• Promote and adhere to EH&S policy and regulatory compliance
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging trends within analytical science

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Essential Experience

• 5+ years' experience within a relevant analytical science environment
• Extensive hands‑on experience analysing highly complex matrices using advanced analytical techniques, including:
• Accurate mass spectrometry (LC‑MS / GC‑MS Orbitrap)
• GC×GC‑TOFMS
• TGA‑IST16‑GC‑MS
• GC‑MS, LC‑MS, FTIR, NIR
• Strong experience in non‑targeted screening and advanced data processing platforms
• Expertise in isolating and measuring trace‑level compounds in complex matrices
• Experience operating, calibrating, and maintaining whole aerosol robots / smoking engines
• Proven experience with method development and validation in ISO 17025 and/or GxP‑compliant laboratories
• Authoring R&D technical reports, conference materials, and peer‑reviewed publications
• Experience with Orbitrap data processing tools (e.g. Compound Discoverer), Python, or statistical analysis is highly advantageous

Technical, Functional & Leadership Skills

• Broad expertise in sample preparation, wet chemistry, and advanced instrumental analysis
• Strong awareness of emerging analytical science and technology trends
• Experience working within and improving quality management systems
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders and communicate complex analytical outputs clearly
• Experience supporting external scientific collaborations, technology transfer, and cross‑laboratory validation
• Proven ability to coach and supervise technical staff
• Strong project ownership, financial awareness, and delivery accountability

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc (1st or 2:1) in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. Royal Society of Chemistry) or evidence of ongoing CPD

Why Join Us?

• Work at the forefront of analytical discovery and innovation
• High visibility, high‑impact role within a global R&D organisation
• Opportunity to shape analytical capability supporting New Categories, sustainability, and THR science
• Collaborative, technically driven environment with strong leadership and external engagement

This role is to provide Maternity cover initially

Pay:

£29.71 per hour (PAYE) or £40.66 per hour (Umbrella)