Research Fellow (in carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization technologies) - ZK2

Singapore Institute of Technology; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Institute of Technology seeks a Research Fellow to advance a CO2-to-chemicals project led by Dr. Zhou Kang. The role focuses on microbial engineering, pathway design, and fermentation strategies to produce aromatics from C2 building blocks.

The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary lab, applying metabolic engineering and sustainable bioprocess development to reach lab-scale demonstration and potential startup opportunities in Singapore.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or related field.
• Hands-on experience with microbial fermentation and bioprocess development.
• Strong problem-solving and independent yet collaborative work ability.
• Experience with genetic engineering and molecular biology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent laboratory research on microbial fermentation, strain engineering and biotransformation.
• Develop and optimize microbial strains, biosynthetic pathways and cultivation strategies.
• Design and support integration of biotechnological processes into a continuous lab-scale system.
• Characterize products using advanced analytical techniques and report results.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners across related disciplines.
• Contribute to publications and help supervise junior researchers.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

Microbiology

Bioprocess development

Metabolic engineering

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering / Biotechnology / Microbiology

Tools

Genetic engineering

Molecular biology techniques

Fermentation systems

Job description

Research Fellow (in carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization technologies) - ZK2

Posting Start Date: 14/04/2026

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!