Research Fellow (Experimental Nanomechanics)

Nanyang Technological University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) invites applications for a Research Fellow to lead in-situ experimental mechanics research. The role focuses on MEMS-based characterization platforms inside SEM/TEM environments, exploring real-time failure processes, interfacial phenomena, and coupled problems in 2D materials, energy-storage systems, and semiconductor devices.

The candidate will publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, and support grant proposals while mentoring

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, Micro/Nanotechnology, or related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for manuscripts and proposals.
• Excellent teamwork and ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary lab.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge research on MEMS-based characterization platforms inside SEM/TEM environments.
• Plan and conduct in-situ SEM and TEM experiments to study real-time mechanical failure and related phenomena.
• Publish high-impact journal articles and present at international conferences and seminars.
• Assist in drafting research grants and technical reports for funding agencies and industrial partners.
• Co-supervise PhD candidates and undergraduates in experimental techniques and data interpretation.
• Oversee lab equipment maintenance, calibration and safety protocols.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Interdisciplinary collaboration

In-situ SEM/TEM experience

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, Micro/Nanotechnology or related

Tools

Python

MATLAB

SEM

TEM

Job description

The School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) is a robust, dynamic and multi-disciplinary international research community comprising of world-class scientists and bright students. MAE prides itself in its excellent research capabilities in areas including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biomedical, energy, industrial engineering, maritime engineering, robotics, etc. The school is equipped with state-of-the-art research infrastructure, housing a comprehensive range of cluster laboratories, test bedding facilities, research centres/institutes and corporate laboratories. Cutting-edge research in MAE addresses the immediate needs of our industries and supports the nation’s long-term development strategies. In the new era of industrial 4.0 and sustainable living, MAE is rigorous in developing new competencies to support the growth and competitiveness of our engineering sector in the global landscape. MAE has grown to be leader in Engineering Research, ranking amongst the top engineering schools in the world. For more details, please view https://www.ntu.edu.sg/mae/research.

We are looking for a Research Fellow to lead cutting-edge research in in-situ experimental mechanics. The role will focus on developing MEMS-based characterization platforms inside SEM/TEM environments, investigating real-time mechanical failure processes, interfacial phenomena, and mechanical-thermal-electrical coupled problems in low-dimensional materials, energy-storage systems, and semiconductor devices. This position supports the University’s strategic mission to advance world-class technological innovation and scientific discovery by pushing the boundaries of nanoscale metrology and AI-driven experimentation. Furthermore, the role contributes to national and global strategic priorities in next-generation semiconductor reliability and sustainable energy storage.

Key Responsibilities:

• MEMS & Platform Development: Design, fabricate, and assemble custom MEMS-based micro-stages and testing devices for precise in-situ mechanical and Multiphysics characterization.
• In-situ Characterization: Plan and conduct advanced in-situ SEM and TEM experiments to monitor mechanical failure, fatigue, and dynamic behavior in real time.
• Publication & Communication: Lead high-impact journal publications and present research findings at international conferences and university seminars.
• Grant & Proposal Support: Assist in drafting research grant proposals, technical reports, and progress updates for funding agencies and industrial partners.
• Student Mentorship: Co-supervise and guide PhD candidates and undergraduate researchers on experimental techniques, data interpretation and manuscript preparation.
• Equipment Maintenance & Safety: Oversee the maintenance, calibration and safety protocols for key lab equipment.

Job Requirements:

• Obtained a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, Micro/Nanotechnology, or a related engineering/scientific discipline.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for drafting high-impact manuscripts, grant proposals and conference presentations.
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary laboratory environment.
• Proven track record in 2D material device fabrication, cleanroom microfabrication, or MEMS processing.
• Extensive hands‑on experience and proficiency in operating SEM and TEM, ideally with experience in in-situ mechanical, thermal or electrical testing platforms.
• Proficiency in data analysis and programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for image processing and instrumental control; experience with AI‑driven or automated experimental workflows is an advantage.
• A strong publication record in high-impact journals.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution:

NTU A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 33,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Engineering, Business, Science, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, and Graduate colleges.

It also has a medical school, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, established jointly with Imperial College London. NTU is also home to world‑class autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Earth Observatory of Singapore, and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI) and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N). Ranked amongst the world’s top universities by QS, NTU has also been named the world’s top young university for the past seven years. The University’s main campus is frequently listed among the Top 15 most beautiful university campuses in the world and has 57 Green Mark‑certified (equivalent to LEED‑certified) buildings, of which 95% are certified Green Mark Platinum. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district. Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech‑enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge and the sustainability of resources.

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