Research Fellow (in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Utilization Technologies) - ZK2

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

Job summary

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) invites applications for a Research Fellow to support microbial engineering and bioprocess development in a NRF-funded project aimed at CO2-to-chemicals. The role focuses on producing platform aromatics from C2 building blocks using engineered microbial strains, pathway engineering and fermentation strategies.

Under Dr. Zhou Kang, you will advance lab-scale demonstrations, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to publications and

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent laboratory research related to microbial fermentation, strain engineering, and biotransformation.

Skills

Independent working

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

Job description

Organisation/Company SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SIT) Research Field Biological sciences Chemistry 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: Food, Chemical and Biotechnology

Employment Type: Fixed Term

About the Project

The opening is for a project funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF). The project supports Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction. As a country with limited natural resources, Singapore is investing in innovative carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization technologies to reduce emissions and enhance energy security. This research aims to develop an integrated process for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals using renewable energy.

The approach combines biotechnological and electrocatalytic processes to efficiently transform CO2 into useful chemicals, providing a novel and sustainable pathway for chemical manufacturing. The project is led by Dr. Zhou Kang at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), with research strengths in metabolic engineering, microbial biomanufacturing, and sustainable process development.

One Research Fellow will be hired to support the microbial engineering and bioprocess development aspects of the project:

• The Research Fellow will work under Dr. Zhou Kang at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).
• This role focuses on producing platform aromatics from C2 building blocks using engineered microbial strains, pathway engineering, and fermentation strategies.
• The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing the project towards a lab-scale demonstration of an integrated CO2-to-chemicals process.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent laboratory research related to microbial fermentation, strain engineering, and biotransformation.
• Develop and optimize microbial strains, biosynthetic pathways, and cultivation strategies to improve efficiency and product yield.
• Design and support the integration of biotechnological processes into a continuous lab-scale system.
• Characterize and analyze chemical and biological products using advanced analytical techniques.
• Collaborate closely with project team members and external collaborators across metabolic engineering, biocatalysis, and related disciplines.
• Document research findings, prepare technical reports, contribute to scientific publications, and help supervise junior researchers or students when needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following areas: microbial fermentation, metabolic engineering, biotransformations, or bioprocess development.
• Hands-on experience with genetic engineering, molecular biology techniques, and strain construction is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative projects.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• A strong publication record or clear evidence of research productivity will be an advantage.
• Our lab uses Python, MATLAB and C++ to automate both data analysis and process control. Knowledge in these tools as well as emerging agentic AI will also be an advantage.

Professional Development

• The initial contract will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years based on performance and project needs.
• The Research Fellow will have opportunities to lead publications, present at conferences, and build an independent research profile within the project.
• The role offers strong exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration in sustainable chemical manufacturing and carbon utilization research.
• The project may lead to forming a start-up on manufacturing specialty chemicals in Singapore. The start-up will be led by members of this project.

Why Join the Team?

• Work on a cutting-edge project funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) with impact on CO2 utilization.
• Contribute to Singapore’s sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives.
• Be part of a dynamic research team led by Dr. Zhou Kang in metabolic engineering and sustainable biomanufacturing.
• Gain valuable experience in an emerging field with applications in sustainable chemical manufacturing.
• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and attend international conferences.

Join the team in shaping the future of sustainable chemical production!