Thesis Work: Flexibility in pulp and paper mills

Om jobbet

På ABB hjälper vi industrier att bli snabbare, mer resurseffektiva och hållbara. Här är framsteg en självklarhet - för dig, ditt team och hela världen. Som global marknadsledare ger vi dig rätt förutsättningar för att lyckas med det. Det kommer inte alltid att vara enkelt - utveckling kräver mod och styrka. På ABB är du aldrig ensam. Run what runs the world.

Denna position rapporterar till:
R&D Team Lead




Pulp and paper mills are at a critical juncture, facing increasing volatility in energy markets, fluctuating raw material supply, and a structural shift in product demand away from graphic papers towards sustainable packaging and novel bioproducts. Simultaneously, ambitious decarbonization and sustainability targets require new operational paradigms.

This thesis addresses these challenges by framing flexibility as a strategic objective for future competitiveness. By defining flexibility in measurable terms, identifying its key sources through modeling, and evaluating enhancement strategies, this work will provide a practical framework for transforming traditional mills into agile, profitable, and sustainable biorefineries.

Details

• Period: January -June 2026, 5 months
• Number of credits: 30 ECTS
• Number of students for this thesis work: 1
• Location: ABB Corporate Research (Västerås)

Your role and responsibilities

This thesis will investigate what operational flexibility means for pulp and paper mills, identify sources of flexibility, and propose scientifically grounded strategies to increase flexibility without compromising quality, safety, or sustainability.​

Goals:​

• Define & quantify operational flexibility in P&P mills​
• Identify and categorize sources of flexibility​
• Assess operational levers impacting flexibility​
• Techno-economic analysis of flexibility-enhancing strategies, evaluating their ROI and risk profile

Qualifications for the role

• Master's student in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field
• A strong motivation to solve real-world industrial problems using state-of-the-art methods
• Good programming knowledge in Python or MATLAB for process modeling and data analysis
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills for collaborating with industry experts

More about us

Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 80 9906, will answer your questions regarding hiring. Supervisor Moksadur Rahman (moksadur.rahman@se.abb.com) will answer questions about the thesis topic and expectations.

Positions are filled continuously. Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English. We look forward to receiving your application!

Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World.

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