Research Fellow / Engineer (Cement and Concrete) - ZMS2

EURAXESS Ireland; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SIT) invites applications for a Recognised Researcher profile in Engineering. The role focuses on leading and executing research on ultra-low carbon concrete systems, including LC³ and steel slag-based materials, with emphasis on materials development, mix design, and performance evaluation.

The successful candidate will perform advanced characterisation (XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, calorimetry, FTIR), analyze hydration mechanisms, and conduct comprehensive

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Materials Science (cementitious materials) or Civil Engineering; PhD advantageous.
• Knowledge of cement chemistry and hydration mechanisms; experience with LC³, carbonated steel slag systems, and SFRC is expected.
• Hands-on experience with materials characterisation techniques (XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, calorimetry, FTIR).
• Experience in mechanical durability testing of concrete and long-term performance assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support execution of research projects with PI and team, ensuring milestones and reporting.
• Design and conduct experimental programmes for ultra-low carbon concrete systems (LC3, steel slag, SFRC).
• Perform advanced materials characterisation and microstructural analysis.
• Analyse hydration mechanisms and correlate microstructure with macroscopic performance.
• Conduct mechanical testing and durability assessments of concrete.
• Support pilot-scale production, test-bedding, and field implementation.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Ensure safety compliance and manage procurement and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Problem solving

Independent work

Collaborative work

Education

Master’s degree in Materials Science or Civil Engineering

PhD advantageous

Tools

XRF

XRD

SEM-EDX

TGA

Calorimetry

FTIR

Job description

Organisation/Company SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SIT) Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 2 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Singapore Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Schemes of Service: Research
Division: Engineering
Employment Type: Fixed Term

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.

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.