R&D Specialist/ Senior Specialist

R&D Specialist/Senior specialist

We are now looking for an experienced R&D specialist/senior specialist to lead and execute R&D projects in the field of innovation and development of chemical pulps and their optimal usage in traditional and novel end-applications.

Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions and paper. Our fiber-based materials are renewable, recyclable and fossil free. Our solutions offer low-carbon alternatives to products based on finite resources. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow.

Career for a better climate. Every day.

As R&D Specialist/senior specialist you will be part of the Pulp Innovation team belonging to Wood and Pulp technology team at Group Innovation and R&D organization. Pulp Innovation team is an expert team working towards customer driven innovation and product development of Stora Enso chemical pulps.

Your main task will be to lead, plan, execute and support R&D projects together with your colleagues and relevant stakeholders. Development of new ideas, methods, and products from laboratory to mill scale are included in the tasks. You will give specific support to technical customer service and sales and participate in collaborations with customers, universities and research institutes when needed.

Your location will be Imatra Research center, in Finland. We apply hybrid way of working. The job requires some traveling on need basis.

What we offer

With our values, “Lead and Do what’s right”, we endeavour to set an example in all aspects of our business as well as sustainability. We dare to take the initiative and constantly ask ourselves what more can we do, what can we do better. This is an excellent opportunity for a curious R&D professional to join a world-class international innovation and R&D team and work with diverse projects utilizing customer input in development work.

Qualifications

To succeed in this role you have a strong scientific and technical background combined with structured analytical thinking; hands-on can-do attitude, problem solving ability, and results-driven approach. You have ability to transform challenges into new opportunities and to work independently as well as in an international and interdisciplinary team. You have an innovative and open mindset with good team-working skills.

We expect you to have at least a master’s degree in a relevant field such as chemical engineering or pulp and paper technology. For Specialist position you have minimum 5 years relevant work experience and MSc education or PhD degree with special competence in the area. For Senior specialist level, post graduate degree with minimum 5 years relevant work experience or MSc with 10 years of relevant work experience is minimum. Strong fiber expertise, deep understanding of pulping processes, products and pulp end-uses are needed in this position. We are looking for candidates with strong background with R&D combined with Industry experience to be able to drive improvements and new products into our operations. Earlier experience of relevant laboratory analytics and method development is also required. Good project management skills are also needed.

You are fluent in English and have full professional proficiency in Finnish.

Our culture and work towards a more sustainable future is based on these themes which, we hope, will resonate with you as well:

• Create customer value: Demonstrates drive to create value for our customers by understanding their needs and our capabilities.
• Drive Business Performance: Demonstrates the ability to translate strategy to action by making decisions, delivering results and proactively looking for new business opportunities.
• Do what's right: Lives by and stands up for our values. Treats everyone fairly and respectfully and acts with integrity according to our Code.
• Inspire and motivate: Inspires and motivates by providing a clear direction towards a compelling future, offering clarity and support along the journey.
• Manage and Grow: Ensures delivery and value whilst nurturing performance, diversity and inclusion.

Additional information

Please submit your application via our recruitment system latest by 7.12.2025. Hiring manager, Heini Eskola, is happy to answer your questions about the position via email or by mobile +358 40 5271449 (26.11. 13-14, 28.11. 12-13, 2.12. 13-14). Other questions regarding the recruitment process can be directed to our HR specialist Alice Naundorf. (alice.naundorf@storaenso.com).
In case where a health check-up is required upon accepting a new job, also a drug test will be included in the check-up.