Postdoctoral Associate (Acoustic Metamaterials)

Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international research alliance in Singapore seeks a researcher to develop wearable imaging technologies for elderly care. The position focuses on creating innovative ultrasound systems and requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field along with strong programming and acoustical modeling skills. This role offers a collaborative environment involving clinical partners for real-world applications, aiming to enhance healthcare solutions for aging populations. Collaboration and communication skills are essential in this interdisciplinary role.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree required in a relevant engineering or materials science discipline.
• Strong understanding of wave propagation and acoustic mechanics essential.
• Experience with ultrasound, vibrational techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop wave-based multiscale modeling frameworks for ultrasound systems.
• Validate acoustic metamaterials through various experimental methods.
• Collaborate with clinical partners for study protocol development.

Skills

Programming languages (Python, MATLAB, C++)

Acoustics and wave dynamics

Inverse problem modeling

Teamwork and communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline

Tools

Abaqus

COMSOL

Job description

Project Overview

The Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC) interdisciplinary research group (IRG) is committed to creating next-generation wearable imaging technologies tailored for aging populations. By combining expertise in wearable transducers, biomedical imaging, materials science, data analytics, and healthcare innovation, WITEC aims to design solutions that will improve quality of life, support preventative medicine, and reduce healthcare burdens. Specific objectives include the development of wearable ultrasound imaging systems for doing cardiovascular echography, AI-powered diagnostic algorithms, and integration with digital health platforms for real-time monitoring and clinical decision support.

WITEC brings together interdisciplinary researchers from MIT and Singaporean institutions, including hospitals and research agencies. Through deep collaboration with local partners, including clinicians, industry, and policymakers, WITEC will ensure that its technological advancements are innovative, clinically validated, and suitable for industrial scale up.

Responsibilities

• Develop wave-based multiscale modelling frameworks to characterize acoustic metamaterials for wearable ultrasound systems, with emphasis on guided-wave propagation, dispersion behaviour, attenuation, and microstructure–property relationships relevant to long‑term cardiovascular monitoring.
• Integrate effective wave-based computational techniques to inverse design next generation of acoustic metamaterial for ultrasound imaging system.
• Develop experimental methods to validate the responses of the acoustic metamaterials, using a variety of ultrasonic excitation modalities.
• Work closely with clinical partners to support protocol development, data acquisition, and analysis for pilot studies and clinical validation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Solid background in acoustics, metamaterials, vibroacoustic and solid mechanics.
• Proficiency in programming languages and environments such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
• Demonstrated expertise in inverse problem modelling and acoustic modelling, with a strong background in wave and energy propagation analysis, material characterization, and wave dynamics.
• Familiarity with wave and energy propagation physics, including wave mode coupling and conversion, energy focusing, directional wave propagation, and acoustic black‑hole mechanisms.
• Experience in mechanics experimentation. Experience with ultrasound/acoustics/vibration techniques is preferred.
• Prior experience in mechanics simulations, experience with Abaqus, COMSOL is preferred.
• The candidate needs to work well in a team with good communication skills.

Interested applicants are invited to send in their full CV/resume, cover letter and list of three references (to include reference names and contact information). We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.