Postgraduate Researcher (Master)

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (MJIIT) in Kuala Lumpur invites applications for a Graduate Research Assistant position to pursue a Master’s by Research on developing durable superhydrophilic coatings for aluminium applications. The role involves literature reviews, coating development, measurements of surface properties, and reporting findings.

The project is conducted within a world-class Malaysia–Japan collaborative environment, with potential exchanges and internships at partner institutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with CGPA 3.00 or higher.
• Fresh graduate or <1 year experience.
• Willing to enrol as a full-time Master’s by Research student at MJIIT, UTM Kuala Lumpur.
• Strong interest in experimental research, surface engineering, and sustainable materials.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with good analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on superhydrophilic coatings and aluminium surface treatments.
• Support coating development, specimen preparation, and experimental planning with the research team and industry partner.
• Characterise coating morphology, surface properties, wettability, and durability.
• Evaluate coating performance, analyse experimental data, and maintain research records.
• Prepare progress reports, technical presentations, research publications, and Master’s thesis.

Skills

Experimental research

Surface engineering

Sustainable materials

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science / Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) – Master’s by Research

Location: Malaysia–Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Monthly allowance: RM2,000
Commitment: Full-time
Tuition fees: Not covered

Position Description

We invite motivated candidates to pursue a Master’s by Research on “Development of Durable Superhydrophilic Coatings for Aluminium Applications.”

The project focuses on developing particle-engineered coatings with controlled micro- and nanoscale surface textures to improve water spreading, condensate drainage, self-cleaning performance, and long-term durability on aluminium heat exchanger fins.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct literature reviews on superhydrophilic coatings and aluminium surface treatments.

Support coating development, specimen preparation, and experimental planning with the research team and industry partner.

Characterise coating morphology, surface properties, wettability, and durability.

Evaluate coating performance, analyse experimental data, and maintain accurate research records.

Prepare progress reports, technical presentations, research publications, and a Master’s thesis.

Candidate Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with a CGPA of at least 3.00.

Fresh graduate or candidate with less than one year of working experience.

Willing to enrol as a full-time Master’s by Research student at MJIIT, UTM Kuala Lumpur.

Strong interest in experimental research, surface engineering, and sustainable materials.

Able to work independently and collaboratively, with good analytical and communication skills

Research Environment

Our research group aims to establish a world-class Malaysia–Japan collaborative research environment, supported by strong research funding and active academic–industry partnerships.

Successful candidates will be immersed in a Japanese-style education and laboratory culture, with opportunities for:

Student exchange / research attachment at partner universities in Japan
(e.g. Kyushu University, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo City University), and/or

Short-term industrial internships in Japan (minimum 2 weeks, sponsored), subject to project availability and performance.