Research Assistant (Radionuclide Sorption & Desorption)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore invites applications for a radiochemistry-focused research position. The successful candidate will join the Radiochemistry team to investigate Cs retention in cementitious barriers, bridging fundamental sorption science with barrier-performance assessment.

The role involves designing column experiments, analyzing breakthrough, and developing trace-level analytical methods. Appointment as Research Fellow, Research Associate, or Research Assistant will depend on

Qualifications

• PhD, MSc or BSc in Radiochemistry, Environmental/Geochemistry, Chemical or Civil/Environmental Engineering, Materials Science or closely related field.
• Experience with sorption or contaminant-transport experiments, including flow-through/column methods and breakthrough-curve analysis.
• Strong grounding in distribution coefficients, retardation, and dynamic (kinetic) sorption concepts.
• Hands-on proficiency with trace analytical instrumentation and QA/QC at low concentrations.
• Experience in radiochemistry-related analysis/measurement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute dynamic column experiments to characterise Cs transport through concrete or cementitious media.
• Determine and interpret breakthrough behaviour and operational retention capacity.
• Calculate distribution parameters and compare with thermodynamic constants.
• Develop and apply trace-level analytical methods (e.g., ICP-MS/OES) with rigorous QA/QC.
• Model contaminant transport using reactive-transport or breakthrough-curve frameworks.
• Characterise materials (porosity, mineralogy, surface chemistry) to link sorption to cementitious matrices.
• Co-author publications, technical reports, and support grants and proposals.
• Draft procurement and routine-lab administration tasks.

Skills

Sorption experiments

Column/flow-through methods

Breakthrough analysis

Reactive-transport modelling

Trace analytical techniques

QA/QC at low concentrations

Data interpretation

Education

PhD, MSc or BSc in Radiochemistry or related field

Tools

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

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

We are inviting applications from researchers interested in joining the Radiochemistry team to investigate the retention of radionuclides, particularly caesium (Cs) in cementitious and concrete barrier systems, bridging fundamental sorption science and applied barrier-performance assessment.

This is an opportunity for an independent yet collaborative scientist to contribute to a shared research agenda, work alongside colleagues from complementary disciplines, and help deliver results that inform the safe design of containment and waste-immobilisation systems (decontamination methods). We are looking for a team player someone who thrives on open exchange of ideas, shares data and methods generously, supports colleagues, and contributes to the collective success of the project rather than working in isolation.

As a member of the Radiochemistry team, you will:

• Design and execute dynamic column experiments to characterise Cs transport through concrete (or other media of interests) across a range of influent concentrations and water chemistries.
• Determine and interpret breakthrough behaviour, including identification of breakpoints (first appearance of the contaminant in the effluent), dynamic (working) retention capacity.
• Calculate and critically evaluate distribution parameters distinguishing apparent/operational distribution ratios obtained under dynamic, non-equilibrium conditions from thermodynamic sorption constants (K) and communicate clearly the limitations of near-detection-limit effluent measurements.
• Develop and apply trace-level analytical methods (e.g., ICP-MS/OES or equivalent), ensuring rigorous QA/QC near detection limits.
• Model contaminant transport using appropriate reactive-transport or breakthrough-curve frameworks, linking column-scale results to barrier-scale performance.
• Characterise materials (porosity, mineralogy, surface chemistry) to connect sorption performance to the properties of the cementitious matrix.
• Contribute to shared outputs co-author peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference presentations, and support grant reporting and proposal development as a collaborative contributor.
• Ad-hoc administrative responsibilities draftingprocurement and maintenance (services) paperwork for laboratory equipment. Involve in routine-facility checks and reporting to facility management team. Contribute and support to chemicals stock-taking and other laboratory routine duties.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Research Fellow, Research Associate, or Research Assistant, depending on their academic qualifications, relevant research experience, and expertise.

Qualifications

• PhD, MSc and/or BSc (awarded or imminent) in Radiochemistry, Environmental/Geochemistry, Chemical or Civil/Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a closely related discipline. Fresh graduates are welcome to apply.
• Demonstrated experience with sorption or contaminant-transport experiments ideally including flow-through/column methods and breakthrough-curve analysis.
• Strong grounding in the theory of distribution coefficients, retardation, and the distinction between equilibrium and dynamic (kinetic) sorption behaviour.
• Hands-on proficiency with trace analytical instrumentation and sound QA/QC practice at low concentrations.
• Experiences in radiochemistry-related analysis/measurement techniques.