Research Fellow / Engineer (Cement and Concrete) - ZMS2

Singapore Institute of Technology; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) seeks a talented researcher to lead and support the execution of concrete materials projects. You will collaborate with the PI and team to design experiments, perform advanced characterisation, and assess mechanical and durability performance of ultra-low carbon concrete systems.

The role requires hands-on experience with XRF/XRD/SEM-EDX/TGA/FTIR, strong cement chemistry knowledge, and excellent technical writing.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Materials Science (cement/concrete) or related field; PhD advantageous.
• Experience with cementitious materials and concrete characterisation.
• Strong understanding of cement chemistry and microstructure development.
• Experience with materials characterisation techniques (XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, calorimetry, FTIR).
• Experience in mechanical and durability testing of concrete; ability to assess long-term performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support execution of research projects with PI/Co-PI and team, delivering milestones and reports.
• Design and conduct experimental programmes for ultra-low carbon concrete systems (LC3-, steel slag-based, SFRC).
• Perform advanced materials characterisation (XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, calorimetry, FTIR).
• Analyse hydration mechanisms, strength development, fibre-matrix interaction, and microstructure-performance relations.
• Conduct mechanical testing of concrete (strength, stiffness, toughness, crack control, post-cracking SFRC).
• Evaluate durability (chloride ingress, carbonation, permeability, fibre corrosion).
• Support pilot-scale production, test-bedding, and field implementation.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Carry out risk assessments and ensure safety compliance (WSH).
• Manage procurement, specifications, and equipment acquisition.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of lab equipment; work independently and in teams.

Skills

XRF

XRD

SEM-EDX

TGA

FTIR

Calorimetry

Concrete testing

Durability testing

Lab safety

Technical writing

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in Materials Science

PhD (advantage)

Tools

XRF instrument

XRD instrument

SEM-EDX

Calorimeter

FTIR spectrometer

Job description

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the execution of the research project in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and research team, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones, technical outputs, and reporting requirements.
• Design and conduct experimental programmes for ultra-low carbon concrete systems, including LC3- and steel slag-based materials, as well as steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC), covering materials development, mix design optimisation, and performance evaluation.
• Perform advanced materials characterisation and microstructural analysis, including but not limited to:
  i. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
  ii. X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
  iii. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX)
  iv. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
  v. Isothermal calorimetry
  vi. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Analyse hydration mechanisms, strength development, fibre-matrix interaction, and phase evolution, and correlate microstructural characteristics with macroscopic performance.
• Conduct comprehensive mechanical testing of concrete, including strength, stiffness, toughness, crack control behaviour, and post-cracking performance (particularly for SFRC), as well as structural performance assessments.
• Evaluate durability performance and long-term behaviour, including resistance to chloride ingress, carbonation, permeability, fibre corrosion (where applicable), and other degradation mechanisms relevant to structural applications.
• Support pilot-scale production, test-bedding, and field implementation to validate material performance under real-world conditions.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations to disseminate research findings to academic, industry, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Carry out risk assessments and ensure full compliance with Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) regulations and laboratory safety protocols.
• Manage procurement processes, including specification development, vendor coordination, and equipment acquisition.
• Ensure proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, working both independently and collaboratively within the research team.luding scaling up mix designs, addressing variability in industrial materials, and aligning with relevant standards and specifications.
• Managing uncertainties associated with emerging low-carbon materials, including variability in by-product sources (e.g., steel slag), performance consistency, and acceptance by industry stakeholders.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in Materials Science (specialising in cement and concrete), Civil Engineering, or a related discipline; a PhD will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in cementitious materials and concrete characterisation, particularly in limestone calcined clay cement (LC³), carbonated steel slag-based systems, and steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC).
• Strong understanding of cement chemistry, hydration mechanisms, fibre-matrix interaction, and microstructural development of advanced cementitious composites.
• Practical experience with materials characterisation techniques such as XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, calorimetry, and FTIR will be advantageous.
• Experience in mechanical and durability testing of concrete, including strength, toughness, crack control behaviour (especially for SFRC), permeability, and long-term performance assessment.
• Familiarity with laboratory practices, equipment operation, and safety protocols in materials testing environments.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills, with the ability to translate research findings into practical engineering and industry applications.

Key Competencies

The candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including academia, industry partners, and vendors.
• Self-directed learner with a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development in emerging materials and construction technologies.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex research outcomes clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret experimental data and derive meaningful engineering insights.
• High level of initiative, accountability, and ownership in delivering high-quality work and meeting project timelines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.