Research Associate (Adhesive Bonding Technologies, Design and Debonding Instrumentation Development)

Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Nanyang Technological University Singapore seeks a researcher to investigate adhesive bonding and develop new competencies for automotive designs. Candidates should have an MSc or higher in Materials Science or related fields and experience in polymer chemistry and mechanical testing.

The role involves hands-on research, collaboration, project management, and the publication of findings in academic forums. Ideal candidates possess strong experimental and team skills, contributing to a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• MSc or higher in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Good team player with project management skills.
• Hands-on experience in polymers and adhesive bonding.

Responsibilities

• Investigate bonding and debonding of hybrid joints.
• Modify adhesives and analyze heating response.
• Fabricate joints and develop test matrices.
• Develop automation instrumentation and fixtures.
• Publish research outcomes in journals and conferences.

Skills

Team player

Project management skills

Hands-on experience with polymers

Adhesive bonding technology

Mechanical testing

Education

MSc or MTech or MEng in Materials Science

Mechanical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Advanced finite element tools

Machine learning tools

Job description

The Aumovio-NTU Corporate Laboratory Centre is a robust, dynamic and multi-disciplinary international research community comprising world‑class scientists and bright researchers. It prides itself in its excellent research capabilities in areas including automotive mechanical and electrical design, data management, life cycle sustainability management through technology and materials innovation. It has 13 projects in these thrust working across various Schools in NTU, Singapore. In the new era of industrial 4.0 and sustainable living, the centre is rigorous in developing new competencies to support the growth and competitiveness of our automotive designs in the global landscape.

For more details, please view https://www.ntu.edu.sg/ancl

Key Job Purpose

• Conduct investigations on the bonding and debonding of adhesively bonded hybrid joints with modified adhesives via down‑selected process route. Cleaning the adhesive traces and capability to rebond with minimum surface preparation meeting the original design requirements and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Deep drive into the modification of adhesives with suitable trigger chemicals and investigate the hysteresis heating response under external stimuli.
• Fabricate the hybrid joints with modified adhesives for joining and investigate the debonding response, and develop the necessary test matrix for comprehensive parametric studies.
• Develop instrumentation and fixtures for automation.
• Possess capabilities in advanced finite element or machine learning tools for process optimisation.
• Disseminate research outcomes into journal publications, conference presentations and patents where appropriate.

Job Requirements

• MSc or MTech or MEng in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering with background in polymer chemistry, adhesive‑bonded joints failure analysis and material design or mechanical design and chemical testing (rheology).
• Soft skills: good team player, project management skills, positive attitude.
• Hard skills: hands‑on experience in handling polymers, adhesive bonding technology, machine or mechanism design and mechanical testing.
• Experience: one to two years research (academic) or industrial experience preferred.
• Competencies: good hands‑on experimental exposure.

Hiring Institution: NTU