Senior Scientist Substrate Research
Swedish Match Sales Sweden Aktiebolag · Stockholm · Tills vidare · Deadline 2026-11-08
Swedish Match is seeking a **Senior Scientist Substrate Research** to join its Product Science & Research Group, based at the R&D Center in Stockholm. The role focuses on developing the mechanistic scientific understanding required to design and select functional substrate materials for oral nicotine products. Core responsibilities include investigating how substrate composition, structure, morphology, and processing affect product performance, and translating these insights into actionable guidance for product innovation. The position independently leads research projects, establishes characterization strategies, conducts material screening and prototype testing with technical teams, scouts emerging technologies, and evaluates competitor products. Applicants must hold a **PhD or master’s degree** in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field, alongside **proficiency in English**. Candidates should possess the ability to formulate testable hypotheses, design experiments examining material–product interactions, and convey complex technical findings to diverse stakeholders. At least five years of experience in material research, product development, or applied R&D is an advantage, as is prior experience within tobacco, food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, or other regulated industries. Swedish language skills are also considered an asset.
We’ve chosen to do something incredible. We’ve transformed our business and are building our future on one clear purpose—to deliver a smoke-free future. Swedish Match is an affiliate of PMI and has been a leader in the industry for more than 200 years.
You will be part of the Product Science & Research Group, based at our R&D Center in Stockholm. You will work to develop the scientific understanding needed to design and select functional substrate materials for oral nicotine products. You will investigate how material composition, structure and properties influence product functionality and performance, and translate these insights into practical guidance for product development.
You will independently lead research activities aimed at developing a mechanistic understanding of substrate materials behavior. You will apply this understanding to material selection, product design, and technical problem-solving supporting Product Innovation & Development.
More specifically, you will be responsible for:
- Develop scientific understanding of how substrate composition, structure, morphology, processing, and properties influence product functionality and performance
- Identify critical material and substrate design parameters and establish scientific frameworks linking material properties to product attributes and performance
- Identify material characterization needs, define and apply fit-for-purpose characterization strategies, interpret and translate data into recommendations for product design
- Plan, execute, and document research activities, including test preparation, data analysis, reporting, conclusions, and recommendations
- Support material screening, feasibility studies, and prototype development in collaboration with other technical teams
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to generate ideas, solve technical challenges, and support product development
- Scout new technologies, materials, methods, and external capabilities relevant to substrate research
- Assess and characterize substrate materials in competitive products and understand their underlying design principles
- Communicate scientific findings, project status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and management
Who we're looking for:
- PhD or master’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- At least 5 years' experience in material research, product development, or applied R&D is an advantage
- Ability to formulate testable hypotheses, design experiments to investigate material–product interactions and integrate results into clear scientific conclusions
- Ability to translate mechanistic understanding into material-selection or product-design recommendations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex materials-science findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across scientific, technical, and product-development teams
- Creative, pragmatic, and proactive mindset, with the ability to work through uncertainty and propose practical solutions
- Experience in tobacco, food, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, or other regulated industries is an advantage
- Proficiency in English; Swedish is an advantage