Research Engineer (Soft Material Acoustic Couplant)

Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology Centre; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A research collaboration between Singapore and MIT is seeking a candidate to develop next-generation wearable imaging technologies for elderly care. This role involves designing and characterizing soft materials for ultrasound transducers, with a strong emphasis on 3D printing and material property analysis. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a relevant discipline, and previous experience in soft materials and 3D printing. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. Interested applicants should visit the provided link to apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (material, mechanics, physics, or bioengineering).
• Experience in synthesizing soft materials and characterizing their properties.
• Essential experience in 3D printing and familiarity with Formlab or similar printers.

Responsibilities

• Design and characterize soft materials for wearable ultrasound transducers.
• Fabricate materials to enhance efficiency of ultrasonic transducers.
• Establish testing protocols for mechanical, acoustic, and biosafety aspects.

Skills

Soft material synthesizing

Material acoustic property characterization

3D printing

Multiphysics modeling software

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree

Diploma in material, mechanics, physics or bioengineering-related discipline

Tools

COMSOL

ANSYS

Formlab 3D printers

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesis, and characterizing soft materials, such as hydrogels or elastomers, to serve as biocompatible skin adhesive couplant for wearable ultrasound transducers.
• Fabricate functional gradient acoustic materials to improve the trans-receive efficiency of the ultrasonic transducers.
• Establish experimental protocols for mechanical, acoustic, and biosafety testing, including ultrasonic impedance, adhesion performance, tissue compatibility, fatigue behavior, and long-term stability on skin.
• 3D printing fixtures for fixing wearable ultrasonic transducers on the human body.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree, or Diploma in a material, mechanics, physics or bioengineering-related discipline.
• Experience in soft material synthesizing, material acoustic property characterization.
• Experience in 3D printing is essential (familiar with Formlab or similar 3D printers).
• Experience in multiphysics modeling software such as COMSOL or ANSYS is an advantage.
• Motivated to learn and work in a multidiciplinary research group.
• Detail-oriented with good organizational and commmunication skills as well as record keeping and time management.

To apply, please visit our website at: https://portal.smart.mit.edu/careers/career-opportunities

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.