Postdoctoral Scholar

BERKELEY EDUCATION ALLIANCE FOR RESEARCH IN SINGAPORE LIMITED; Singapore; On-site; SGD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in Singapore seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct critical research on CO2 electrolysis systems. The role involves functional evaluation of electrocatalysts, data analysis using advanced techniques, and collaboration with university researchers. A relevant PhD and experience with analytical methods are essential. This position offers opportunities for publications and participation in conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline with research experience in electrocatalysis.
• Experience with analytical chemistry methods like GC, HPLC, and NMR.
• Strong publication record in research fields.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform functional evaluation of electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
• Increase throughput of evaluations using automation methods.
• Author and publish research articles.
• Present research results at conferences.

Skills

Electrochemistry expertise

Electrocatalysis

Analytical chemistry methods

Automation workflows

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry

Tools

Gas chromatography (GC)

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Mass spectrometry (MS)

Job description

Job Summary:

The Berkley Educational Alliance for Research in Singapore Ltd. (BEARS) is a not-for profit entity incorporated in Singapore, managed by the University of California, at Berkeley (UCB) and funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation. Its purpose is to carry out multi-year research projects in collaboration with universities and agencies in Singapore.

We are looking for a highly motivated person to fill the position of Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct and support the research work in Work Package 3 of the project “AxCIS Lab – AI xploration of Catalysis with Inorganics and Surfaces,” which is being performed in a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), and BEARS. The Postdoctoral Scholar will have the opportunity to work closely with BEARS and NTU/NUS PIs and research staff to contribute to achieving the overall objectives of the research programme.

The personnel hired will perform time-dependent performance evaluation of CO2 electrolysis systems which are fabricated in the AxCIS project. The experimental work will emphasize rapid characterization of electrocatalysts made by the High Throughput team in WP2. In addition to standard analytical techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography, the post‑doc will have access to a high‑sensitivity mass spectrometer which performs real‑time detection of target products and key reaction intermediates. This will enable measurements of not only product yield, but also descriptors such as intermediate uptake/release, which will enable predictions of catalyst performance and stability. For this reason, the post‑doc will also be expected to work closely with personnel in the project are performing AI/ML‑based model development and validation in WP1. More ambitious activities include multi‑parameter optimization of the process space and developing in‑situ catalyst regeneration methods.

The appointment is for an initial period of one year with possibility of renewal.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Using expertise in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis, perform functional evaluation of electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
• Increase the throughput of functional evaluation using laboratory automation methods in collaboration with the high‑throughput team.
• Design and implement proxy
• Used advanced, real‑time, product analysis to perform hypothesis testing of predictive models developed by the project’s computational team.
• As needed, process model catalysts using thin film deposition techniques such as sputtering and ultrasonic spray deposition.
• Author and publish research articles
• Summarize and present the research results at participating conferences and at programme reviews

Job Requirements:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline, with relevant research experience in experimental electrocatalysis.
• Experience with analytical chemistry methods such as gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
• Experience with mass spectrometry (MS) techniques.
• Experience with automated workflows.
• Good communication, presentation and writing skills
• Strong publication record in related areas
• Highly motivated, able to work independently and in a team, has the ability to multitask, and is flexible and committed to contribute as needed for the benefits of the research project