Undergraduate Intern - Data Science

British American Tobacco
Southampton
8 months ago
Create job alert

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO 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 an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – Data Science in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in a STEM subject to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Data Science Team and will focus on performing data-focused activities to support R&D’s Harm Reduction portfolio. BAT R&D is undergoing a digital and data transformation to accelerate our approach to research and science. The Data Science team is at the forefront of this transformation in leading the automation and interrogation of data to extract maximum value. This role will play an integral part in continuing to drive the business transformation.

A bit more about BAT and our undergraduate placement scheme:

We make significant investments in Research and Development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate our Potentially Reduced Risk Products (PRRPs) and apply the highest standards for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research program which spans a broad spectrum of scientific fields - including molecular biology, human biology, toxicology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sensorial science, data science, computer science, product design, and engineering disciplines.

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2025) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management. Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical discipline.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands-on’ role would be useful but not essential.

This role is due to start in September 2025, and we will be shortlisting applications and carrying out video/ online interviews whilst the advert is live. We will look to make an offer to the successful candidate as close to the closing date as possible. However, the vetting and onboarding processes for successful candidates won’t begin until the role is opened in our system, which is likely to be later in 2025, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these processes when the position opens.

We reserve the right to close this advert before the 31st of December if we have a high level of applications.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Development of automated data handling pipelines Development of business tools (. software programmes) Performing data stewardship activities Creation of dashboards

What are we looking for?

Students working towards an undergraduate degree in a STEM field. Basic coding proficiency (Python and/or R preferred). Ideally, demonstratable experience in building software solutions to solve real-life challenges. An innovation and leading change mindset – challenging the status quo and demonstrating business value. 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.

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.

Related Jobs

View all jobs

InTent Internship Programme 2025 (#IIP): Paid Summer Placement/Internship for Undergraduate’s (Bachelor’s) or Graduate’s (Master’s) Students in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Data Science (3months) at University of

Business Placement Data Analyst Intern

Senior Data Analyst

Graduate Consultant

Graduate

AI/ML and MLOps Field Engineer

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Quantum-Enhanced Machine Learning—Propelling AI into the Next Frontier

Machine learning (ML) has revolutionised how we interpret data, build predictive models, and create intelligent applications. From recommendation engines and self-driving cars to advanced genomics and natural language processing, ML solutions are integral to nearly every corner of modern life. However, as data complexity and model size continue to skyrocket, the computational demands placed on ML systems grow in tandem—often pushing even high-performance classical computers to their limits. In recent years, quantum computing has emerged as a tantalising solution to these challenges. Unlike traditional digital systems, quantum computers exploit quantum mechanics—superposition and entanglement—to process information in ways that defy conventional logic. As these machines mature, they promise exponential speed-ups for certain tasks, potentially reshaping how we approach AI and data-intensive challenges. What does this mean for machine learning? Enter quantum-enhanced ML, a new frontier where quantum processors and classical ML frameworks unite to accelerate model training, tackle high-dimensional data, and solve complex optimisation tasks more efficiently. In this article, we will: Unpack the current state of machine learning, highlighting key bottlenecks. Provide a concise overview of quantum computing—why it’s radical and how it differs from classical technology. Examine potential breakthroughs in quantum-enhanced ML, including real-world use cases and technical approaches. Explore the roles and skill sets that will define this quantum-AI era, with guidance on how to prepare. Discuss the roadblocks (like hardware maturity and ethical concerns) and how they might be addressed in the years to come. If you’re a machine learning engineer, data scientist, or simply an AI enthusiast fascinated by the next wave of computational innovation, read on—quantum computing could become an integral part of your future toolkit, opening up job opportunities and reimagining what ML can achieve.

Machine Learning Jobs at Newly Funded UK Start-ups: Q3 2025 Investment Tracker

Machine learning (ML) has become the beating heart of modern tech innovation, powering breakthroughs in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, robotics, and more. Across the United Kingdom, this surge in ML-driven solutions is fueling the success of countless start-ups—and spurring demand for talented machine learning engineers, data scientists, and related professionals. If you’re eager to join a high-growth ML company or simply want to keep tabs on the latest trends, this Q3 2025 Investment Tracker will guide you through the newly funded UK start-ups pushing the boundaries of ML. In this article, we’ll highlight key developments from Q3 2025, delve into the most promising newly funded ventures, and shed light on the machine learning roles they’re urgently seeking to fill. Plus, we’ll show you how to connect with these employers via MachineLearningJobs.co.uk, a dedicated platform for ML job seekers. Let’s dive in!

Portfolio Projects That Get You Hired for Machine Learning Jobs (With Real GitHub Examples)

In today’s data-driven landscape, the field of machine learning (ML) is one of the most sought-after career paths. From startups to multinational enterprises, organisations are on the lookout for professionals who can develop and deploy ML models that drive impactful decisions. Whether you’re an aspiring data scientist, a seasoned researcher, or a machine learning engineer, one element can truly make your CV shine: a compelling portfolio. While your CV and cover letter detail your educational background and professional experiences, a portfolio reveals your practical know-how. The code you share, the projects you build, and your problem-solving process all help prospective employers ascertain if you’re the right fit for their team. But what kinds of portfolio projects stand out, and how can you showcase them effectively? This article provides the answers. We’ll look at: Why a machine learning portfolio is critical for impressing recruiters. How to select appropriate ML projects for your target roles. Inspirational GitHub examples that exemplify strong project structure and presentation. Tangible project ideas you can start immediately, from predictive modelling to computer vision. Best practices for showcasing your work on GitHub, personal websites, and beyond. Finally, we’ll share how you can leverage these projects to unlock opportunities—plus a handy link to upload your CV on Machine Learning Jobs when you’re ready to apply. Get ready to build a portfolio that underscores your skill set and positions you for the ML role you’ve been dreaming of!