Researcher

Researcher

Be part of a nature-positive future. 

Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction. 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.  

The position

We are looking for a Researcher to join our Physical Product Performance (PPP) team, with a primary focus on wet end chemistry and, when needed, physical testing. 

In this role, you will plan, coordinate and guide laboratory studies that support pilot trials, product development and production needs. You will focus on wet end chemistry phenomena, including interactions between fibers, water and chemicals, retention and flocculation mechanisms, and charge balance control. 

You will evaluate how these factors affect dewatering, runnability and final product properties using measurements such as DFR, freeness, WRV and zeta potential. The role acts as an important link between the laboratory, pilot trials, research and development projects, and production.

You will also follow relevant academic, competitor and technology developments and assess their potential value for the business. In collaboration with internal stakeholders and, when relevant, external partners, you may contribute to feasibility studies, process development, implementation planning, documentation and training materials.

This is a fixed-term position for one year, based at the Imatra Research Center in Finland.

Qualifications 

We are looking for a candidate with a university-level background, for example in chemical engineering, paper technology or fiber technology, and a strong interest in developing expertise in fiber-based materials and processes. We value curiosity, a willingness to learn and the motivation to grow in the role. This position is particularly well suited for an early-career researcher who wants to build expertise in wet end chemistry and fiber-based processes.

You should be able to understand data generated by laboratory and measurement equipment and select appropriate analytical methods for different purposes. You should have an overall good understanding of process-related phenomena, such as interactions between fines, fillers and chemicals. While hands-on laboratory work is not required, you will guide and support laboratory activities, ensure that measurements are relevant and reliable, and interpret results based on a solid theoretical understanding.

As your work will support production troubleshooting, process optimization and longer-term development, it is important that your communication is clear and structured, as results are used in decision-making across different stakeholder groups.

To succeed in this role, you need the ability to prioritize and steer analytical work across multiple needs and work effectively at the interface of laboratory, production and development projects. A proactive and self-driven mindset, strong task management skills and the ability to collaborate with different stakeholders are essential. Fluency in Finnish and English is required.

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.

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.  

How to apply 

Please submit your application via our recruitment system by 8 August 2026. 

For more information about the role, please contact hiring manager Sari Heikkinen at [email protected]. For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Alice Naundorf at [email protected]. 

Our recruitment process can include pre-employment actions such as background, reference and health checks as well as a drug test. 

We believe diversity strengthens our competitiveness and leads to better decision-making. Diverse teams help us explore different perspectives and challenge our thinking. We actively work to increase diversity in the workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Stora Enso is an equal opportunity employer and follows non-discriminatory practices. 

Stora Enso helps customers replace fossil-based materials with low-carbon, renewable and recyclable alternatives for their food, beverage and transport packaging with a wide selection of base boards and barrier coatings.