Senior Researcher, Feedstock and Pretreatment

Senior Researcher, Feedstock and Pretreatment

We are looking for a Senior Researcher to join our R&D team in Porvoo.

We are a team of experts working in the Feedstock and Pretreatment Research team in R&D. Our team is responsible for expansion of Neste’s raw material base and developing purification methods for production of renewable fuels and recycled materials. 

The job is located in Kilpilahti, Porvoo, ca. 30 minutes by car from the center of Helsinki. We organize free bus transportation to Kilpilahti for our employees from the capital region, Porvoo and the nearby areas.

More about the job

Your role in our team

In this role, you will be contributing to R&D projects focusing on expanding Neste’s feedstock portfolio. Most often these projects concentrate on developing new pretreatment technologies, processes and solutions to support the refinery operations. Duties can vary from analyzing laboratory results to building concepts and collaboration with engineering as well as duties related to business and capability development. Your main responsibilities include:

• Contributing to R&D projects in a senior expert and/or in a leading role.

• Chemical reaction matrix evaluation for new technologies

• Collaboration with engineering to transfer development projects to investment projects

• Supporting business stakeholders in technical matters

• Actively participating in IPR creation and innovation work.

You will report to your R&D Manager and in matrix to relevant project managers. 

The best combination to succeed in this role

• M.Sc. or higher degree majoring in organic/synthesis chemistry (Ph.D. is valued)

• Several years of industrial experience

• At least 10 years experience from research & development work

• Industrial chemistry reactions knowhow

• At least 3 years of experience in a managerial duties (e.g., project manager) in relevant industrial environment 

• Understanding of process concepts

• Ability to understand details and to convert them into strategic and business items

• Excellent communication skills in English, including presentation and report writing

We also value

• Engineering degree in chemistry related field

• Knowhow related to renewable feedstocks, separation or conversion processes. Crude oil refining related expertise and experience is considered as an asset.

• Experience in IPR creation

• Prior experience in taking into use and validating bench-scale/pilot equipment

• Proactive and systematic working style

• Ability to lead and coach people

• Networking and Partnering experience

Reasons to join

We operate in an inspiring and evolving business environment as a global leader in renewable fuels. We contribute to Neste’s success by living our values every day: we care, we have courage, we cooperate.

We prioritize safety at all times and in every location. We strive to create a positive and impactful work environment.

Transformation brings new possibilities and fosters our courage and curiosity. As a global  company, we support personal development with versatile learning and career opportunities. Collaboration is key, and we believe in flexible, smart ways of working. We work at the office at least three days a week to ensure seamless teamwork and a sense of belonging.

In addition, our benefits for employees in Finland include, for example, a personnel fund as part of the overall remuneration, good occupational health care, a membership in a sickness or health insurance fund and leisure time accident insurance. We also support leisure time activities, e.g. by offering benefits for sports and culture (ePassi).

Let’s get you started

We look forward to receiving your CV and application by May 10th, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the position, please get in touch with Joanna Johansson, R&D Manager, Feedstock and Pretreatment Research, +358 50 514 7900, on Wednesday 29.4.2026 12:00-13:00 (EEST) or Wednesday 6.5.2026 13:00-14:00 (EEST).

To ensure security and confidentiality, please submit your application through our recruitment system, as we are unable to consider applications sent via email.

The recruitment process will include interviews, an assignment and a potential aptitude assessment. The person selected for the position must pass a health examination including a drug test. Depending on the position’s requirements, a security clearance may be conducted with your consent.

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) is the world's leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with production on three continents. The company’s renewables production capacity is expected to reach 6.8 million tons annually in 2027. Neste also produces high-quality oil products at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. The company has a network of nearly 1,000 fuel stations with expanding service offering, such as EV charging, in Finland and in the Baltics.

Neste’s strategy focuses on growth in renewable fuels, which help its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Neste is included in many international indices for its sustainability performance. In 2025, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 19.0 billion. Read more: neste.com