Research Student, Ph.D. in Data Science

Do you want an exciting job with great development opportunities? Do you have a genuine interest in developing production processes and product quality? If you are a data scientist with machine learning and AI skills, then Stora Enso Skoghall mill, could be the place for you. We are now taking another step on our digitalization transformation journey by employing a Ph.D. Student. Welcome to make a difference in the bio circular economy and the development of the forest industry!
New research school with 9 Ph.D. students!
The Ph.D. student will be part of the EXACT research school. EXACT - Excellence in Advancing for a Circular Transition - combines bioeconomy with smart digitization. The Ph.D. students will develop energy-efficient digitalized production processes and high-quality biobased materials. The vision is to contribute to circular transition and future-proof the Swedish process industry. Each Ph.D. student is admitted to a Ph.D. program at Karlstad university and employed by a company to immerse her/himself in company-related research questions.
Ph.D. project idea/ background "Transforming Board Manufacturing with Data Analytics and Machine Learning: Optimizing Processes and Enhancing Quality Control"
There is a lot of data gathered in the mill, however it is not analyzed and used to its full potential. The focus of the Ph.D. project is on the application of machine learning for process control, quality prediction, and parametric release, i.e., process data ensuring product quality. Many areas within the process could be analyzed and used to develop applications. Predictive models based on process data could be one application to develop in that perspective. The fibers used in manufacturing have a natural variation, to look at fibre properties as input to the process optimization can also be of interest. Building process optimization models for various raw material qualities is another field that could be explored. While the Ph.D. is admitted and mainly supervised by the computer science department, there could be a collaboration and co-supervision by other subjects such as chemical engineering or energy and environmental systems.
As a first step we would like for the candidate to start a 3-4 months introduction period at the Skoghall mill, before the actual start of the research project, in order to scan opportunities to be formulated into a research project.
Your location will be Karlstad/Skoghall and you will belong to the Department Operations Development at Skoghall mill.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a person, who has an interest in analyzing production data and likes to collaborate with other people in the production environment. Your proficiency is based on a M.Sc./ Master’s degree in computer science preferably with AI and machine learning elements. An interest in fibrebased products is an advantage. As a person you have a pedagogical ability and willingness to visualize your work, to ensure that other can understand and get insights. Good knowledge in English both spoken and written is a requirement and Swedish is beneficial.
To meet the specific entry requirements for Ph.D. studies in computer science, you must have completed a Master’s degree (60 credits) in computer science, a Master’s degree (120 credits) in computer science or a Master of Science degree in computer engineering. A person who in some other way in the country or abroad has acquired equivalent qualifications also meets the specific entry requirements.
What we offer
By joining us, you will be part of our diverse working culture supporting you to explore new perspectives and develop professionally. You will contribute towards a more sustainable world, as we 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.
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 May 19.
Depending on the role, we might invite you to a video interview and/or aptitude tests. Also, our recruitment process could include pre-employment actions such as background, reference and health checks as well as a drug test.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please do not hesitate to contact the Operations Development Manager Helena Woxlin, +46 72-5886034, helena.woxlin@storaenso.com. Question about the recruitment process can be directed to Talent Acquisition Partner Matilda Bernthson, Matilda.bernthson@storaenso.com. She is happy to help you!
Contact person EXACT – supervisor of Ph.D.
Bestoun S. Ahmed | M.Sc., Ph.D.
Professor in Software Engineering
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
Tel +46 (0)54 700 1861 | Mobile +46 (0)723-842161
Room: 21D 413
Email: bestoun@kau.se
Web: http://www.bestoun.net/
Welcome to work in the renewable materials company! 
Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. We employ approximately 21,000 people.
We believe diversity strengthens our competitiveness and contributes to better decision-making. Diverse working teams help us to explore different perspectives and challenge our way of thinking. We work actively to increase diversity in the workplace and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Stora Enso is an equal opportunity employer and follows non-discriminatory practices.
See our film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUElPYaxgqs&t
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