Lead Scientist - Toxicological Risk Assessment

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business.  We are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry 
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a  LEAD SCIENTIST – TOXICOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT in Southampton

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?  

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional to join an FMCG FTSE 100 company, looking to support the business program to shape product safety approaches for the rapidly growing BAT product portfolio.

The purpose of the role is to lead the toxicological ingredient and material evaluations across BAT's novel product portfolio, in accordance with guidelines from the Product Stewardship Council (PSC) in line with the R&D Policy Framework, Corporate Positions and specific legislation for our product categories. The role will deliver toxicological programs that can unlock novel products and ingredients commercially, while supporting the communication of our science to help position BAT as industry experts whilst achieving desired business growth.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

The role will be the key contact to organize and conduct the toxicological assessment of novel ingredients, materials, and technologies to be used in the development of a variety of novel products. They will deliver desk based toxicological evaluations in accordance with Internal BAT guidelines and the R&D policy framework in order to support BATs portfolio. Toxicological evaluations will be carried out to support all stages of product development. This role encompasses strategic scope, with the delivery and communication of toxicological data packages for the identified ingredients and products across categories. The role will require new processes to be created to streamline evaluations and will require formalization of processes through robust documentation.

Work will be conducted under the guidance of the Toxicology team manager, Senior Scientist, and other team members to overcome challenging assessments, outlining data requirements to build robust safety evaluations of products.

Role holder will be responsible for their own and others’ workload management and communicating with cross functional partners (line managers and Project teams) on progress to achieve business milestones.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Be a knowledgeable and enabling partner to the product development teams, guiding them on the toxicology evaluations, tests and design needed to build the data packages from early-stage sensory testing of prototypes to commercial launch.
• Author, review and sign off risk assessments as part of the toxicological evaluation of new ingredients, technologies, and materials.
• Support the development of strategies for toxicological evaluation of platform products, whilst challenging existing processes to identify and improve ways of working across the department with the endorsement of the Product Stewardship Council (PSC).
• Apply appropriate solutions or approaches to identify and resolve problems based on an understanding and experience of biology, toxicology, or chemistry.
• Be responsible for the planning and execution of risk assessments, working collaboratively within the team to deliver on time and in full for the business.
• Provide training and coaching to junior members of the team and the wider business.
• Maintain and build effective working relationships with internal partners, suppliers, and designated contacts within BAT.

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

• Managing priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and positive ‘can do’ and keen problem-solving attitude.
• Relevant science background equivalent to bachelor’s degree level qualification as minimum, preferably with a good understanding of the principles of Toxicology with ideally demonstrated technical background in toxicology test packages, particularly risk assessment.
• Awareness of technical developments in toxicology & regulations (tobacco & consumer goods) desirable.
• Proficient computing skills to facilitate use of in-house database and skilled user of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and planning skills, and ability work both as a team member and independently.
• Proven oral and written communication skills. Ability to tailor scientific communications to different audiences.
• Demonstrable a positive attitude along with a drive to succeed and flexibility in adapting to new tasks and changing priorities.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Relevant science background equivalent to bachelor’s degree level qualification as minimum, preferably in a biology or chemistry field, with good understanding of the principles of Toxicology.
• MSc in Toxicology (or another relevant subject) advantageous but not essential.

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.