Research Engineer, Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry, ISCE2

A*STAR Research Entities (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ISCE² at A*STAR seeks a motivated Research Engineer to advance adaptive and sustainable soft matter materials from monomer design to functional polymer platforms, collaborating with industry partners to translate chemistry into real-world applications for adhesives, coatings, gels and stimuli-responsive systems.

The role combines hands-on synthesis and polymerisation with thorough material characterisation (NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC, DSC/TGA, rheology) and rigorous data reporting, within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry, with a strong grasp of reaction mechanisms and purification techniques.
• Proficiency with standard characterisation methods (e.g., NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC, DSC/TGA, rheology).
• Strong problem-solving ability, experimental rigour and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute organic synthesis of novel monomers, crosslinkers and functional building blocks.
• Develop and optimise controlled polymerisation routes (e.g., free-radical, photo-initiated and step-growth chemistries) to deliver target polymer properties.
• Formulate and characterise functional polymer systems, including adhesives, hydrogels/organogels and stimuli-responsive networks.
• Establish structure–property relationships through rigorous chemical, thermal, mechanical and spectroscopic characterisation.
• Support scale-up and process transfer of promising formulations toward pilot and industrial application.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records, and contribute to technical reports, patents and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Present findings clearly to internal teams and industry stakeholders, and uphold laboratory safety, quality and data‑integrity standards.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer chemistry

NMR

FTIR

GPC/SEC

DSC/TGA

Rheology

Experimental rigour

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry/Materials Science

Job description

Job Description and Requirements

The Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²) is seeking a motivated Research Engineer to support our research focus in adaptive and sustainable soft matter materials. You will join a multidisciplinary team developing next‑generation functional and sustainable materials – from monomer and crosslinker design through to advanced polymer platforms with applications in adhesives, coatings, gels and stimuli‑responsive systems. The position bridges fundamental materials chemistry and applied industrial translation, offering the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and directly with industry partners.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute organic synthesis of novel monomers, crosslinkers and functional building blocks.
• Develop and optimise controlled polymerisation routes (e.g., free‑radical, photo‑initiated and step‑growth chemistries) to deliver target polymer properties.
• Formulate and characterise functional polymer systems, including adhesives, hydrogels/organogels and stimuli‑responsive networks.
• Establish structure–property relationships through rigorous chemical, thermal, mechanical and spectroscopic characterisation.
• Support scale‑up and process transfer of promising formulations toward pilot and industrial application.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records, and contribute to technical reports, patents and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Present findings clearly to internal teams and industry stakeholders, and uphold laboratory safety, quality and data‑integrity standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry, with a strong grasp of reaction mechanisms and purification techniques.
• Proficiency with standard characterisation methods (e.g., NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC, DSC/TGA, rheology).
• Strong problem‑solving ability, experimental rigour and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross‑disciplinary environment.

Desirable

• Experience with functional or sustainable polymers, adhesives, ionic liquids, photopolymers, or debondable/recyclable materials.
• Familiarity with formulation, coating or thin‑film processing.
• A track record of peer‑reviewed publications, patents or successful industry collaboration.

What we offer

You will work in one of Singapore's foremost public‑sector research environments, with access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a vibrant network of academic and industry collaborators. ISCE² is committed to sustainability‑driven innovation, and you will play a direct role in translating chemistry into real‑world impact.