Head, Microfabrication Core (Mechanobiology Institute)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore's Mechanobiology Institute seeks a capable leader to head the Microfabrication Core Facility. You will enable cutting-edge research by guiding fabrication workflows, mentoring researchers, and driving core operations.

This is a senior, hands-on role in a multidisciplinary environment. Ideal candidates hold a PhD with strong microfabrication expertise, proven team leadership, and a track record in cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field.
• Strong background in microfabrication and hands-on fabrication.
• Ability to work with researchers across disciplines to develop practical fabrication solutions.
• Experience managing facilities, equipment or technical teams is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Microfabrication Core Facility at MBI/NUS.
• Support researchers by addressing fabrication-related challenges in advanced projects.
• Contribute to grant applications and collaborate on proposals.
• Supervise and mentor students and research staff; oversee procurement and maintenance of equipment.

Skills

Microfabrication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Company description

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore

Job Description

The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading multi-disciplinary institute devoted to developing new paradigms for understanding biological functions in health and diseases from the perspective of cell, tissue and organ mechanics/dynamics and mechano-signal transduction. The institute operates on a fully integrated open-lab philosophy, with an extensive infrastructure supported by core facilities dedicated to technology such as state-of-the-art light microscopy, nano- and micro- fabrication, and computing.

The MBI seeks to recruit a highly capable and motivated individual to lead its Microfabrication Core Facility. The Head of the Microfabrication Core will play a central role in enabling MBI researchers by maintaining high-quality facility operations, solving emerging technical challenges, and contributing intellectually to collaborative projects and grant development. This role is suited for someone with strong hands-on microfabrication expertise who is excited to support cutting-edge research, develop innovative fabrication solutions, and help drive the institute's scientific mission.

Responsibilities

• Support MBI researchers in addressing novel fabrication-related challenges arising from advanced research projects
• Contribute to competitive grant applications, both as part of the broader MBI team and through independent input
• Lead and manage the core facility team, including procurement, maintenance, and operational oversight of equipment
• Supervise and mentor a small team of undergraduate students, Master's students, and collaborative PhD students

Requirements

• A PhD in relevant fields
• Strong background in microfabrication
• Ability to work closely with researchers across disciplines to develop practical and innovative fabrication solutions
• Experience managing facilities, equipment, or technical teams is advantageous
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Desired Technical Skills

Candidates must have experience in several of the following areas:

• UV lithography
• Pattern transfer, including additive and subtractive methods
• Casting, molding, and soft lithography
• Electron beam lithography
• X-ray lithography
• Nanoimprint lithography (NIL)
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Microcontact printing
• Optical and physical profiling
• Electrical measurement techniques