R&D Specialist Carbon Material Lignode®, Biomaterials Growth BU

Stora Enso’s Biomaterials Division meets the growing demand for bio-based solutions to replace fossil-based and hazardous materials. Stora Enso uses all fractions of biomass, like lignin, to develop new solutions. Our work to replace fossil-based materials includes novel applications such as carbon for energy storage and bio-based binders. Our pulp offering encompasses a wide variety of grades to meet the demands of paper, board, tissue and hygiene product producers, as well as materials from process side streams, such as tall oil and turpentine from biomass.​​​​​​​

The Biomaterials division consists of three business units, Pulp, Growth and Innovation. In addition, the division leads two pulp joint ventures in Latin America. The role of the Growth BU is to lead commercialization and industrialization of new biomaterials business opportunities. The current Growth BU portfolio consists of Lignode®, Lignin, Biobinders and Formed Fiber initiatives/businesses.

One of the many innovation activities of Biomaterials is the development and commercialization of Lignode® - our bio-based carbon material for energy storage in Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. The global battery market is expected to expand rapidly within the next ten years, enabling new solutions in the fields of consumer electronics, e-mobility, and residential energy storage. With our renewable bio-based materials we contribute to making these solutions more environmentally friendly and sustainable

Career for a better climate. Every day. 

We are now offering a position for a talented and experienced R&D Specialist in carbon materials for battery material development to strengthen our Lignode Product Development Team. In this position you will help to develop, optimize, and commercialize new innovative bio-based carbon materials for sustainable Li-ion and Na-ion batteries, with a special focus on material design and development. You will join a highly motivated international and interdisciplinary team and work closely with internal and external technology partners, pilot operations, and business development.

Your core tasks will be to:

• Design, conduct, and contribute to scientific research and development activities in the field of electrochemical energy storage, with a focus on material design of carbon-based anode materials for Li-ion and Na-ion battery applications.
• Create innovative ideas and solutions to develop new carbon-based materials and to optimize existing materials, building upon your previous expert knowledge of carbon materials.
• Perform own R&D synthesis work in lab and pilot, lead and supervise internal as well as external research activities.
• Take responsibility for scientific and technological progress.
• Provide internal trainings, write application notes, patents and publications, give scientific presentations
• Provide scientific and technological consulting and support for scale-up activities, process engineering, business development, sales, and regulatory affairs.
• Monitor relevant technical and scientific literature and patents.
• Create, revise, and monitor laboratory work procedures.
• Ensure that the workspace is as safe as possible (create and continuously update risk assessments, make safety observations, keep workspace clean and in order, etc.)

The position is based in Sweden at the Innovation Centre for Biomaterials in Sickla, Stockholm.

Who are we looking for?   

In order to succeed in this role, you should have:

• A PhD degree (or an equivalent research expertise) in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field
• Deep expert knowledge on structure, properties, and synthesis of hard carbon and/or graphite and/or activated carbon and/or other battery anode materials
• Relevant industrial experience of at least 2 years in carbon, graphite, activated carbon and/or battery active anode industry (or alternatively, experience from close cooperation with carbon / graphite industry)
• Knowledge on battery applications for hard carbon / graphite / activated carbon materials, and knowledge on KPIs of battery materials (beneficial)
• Practical experience with synthesis (lab / pilot / production) and willingness to work practically
• Solid theoretical experience with carbon analysis techniques, ideally also practical experience
• A strong scientific and technical background combined with structured analytical thinking, a hands-on can-do attitude, problem solving ability, and results-driven approach
• Experience in writing patents and scientific papers, and giving scientific talks​
• A good network in carbon and/or anode material industry (beneficial)
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 20% of worktime
• Fluent communication skills in English, both orally and in writing.
• Valid European driving licence.

What we offer

By joining us, you will be part of our diverse working culture supporting you to explore new perspectives and to develop professionally. You will contribute towards a more sustainable world, as we at Stora Enso believe that anything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. To keep you going safely, we support your physical and mental wellbeing. 

With our values “Lead and do what’s right”, we endeavour to set an example in all aspects of our business as well as in the people area. Our performance culture promotes ambition, agility, analytical approach and accountability. We dare to leave our comfort zone, are eager to spot business opportunities and we empower people to act.

How can you apply for this role? 

You can only submit your application to us by using our recruitment tool. As we are assessing our candidates on an ongoing basis, we hope to hear from you as soon as possible but latest by 12th of December 2024.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact recruiting manager Abhishek Shetty at abhishek.shetty@storaenso.com