Research Fellow (Laboratory for Advanced Materials Synthesis)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; In loco; SGD 180.000 - 240.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

The National University of Singapore seeks a materials expert to lead the new I-FIM material robotics lab and oversee the furnace cluster. You will shape a cutting-edge facility, collaborating with computation, automation, and synthesis teams to advance AI-guided autonomous experimentation.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a related field, have a track record in high-temperature synthesis techniques, and be capable of managing complex research programs with strong leadership and communication

Competenze

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• Experience establishing new lab infrastructure or managing complex projects.
• Proven ability to lead a research group or laboratory.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Mansioni

• Lead strategic development and day-to-day operations of the material robotics lab.
• Oversee operation and management of the furnace cluster and CVD platforms.
• Develop SOPs, safety protocols, and maintenance schedules.
• Coordinate with AI/ML teams to integrate autonomous synthesis approaches.
• Manage procurement, vendor relations, and budgets for equipment.

Conoscenze

Strategic leadership

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Formazione

PhD in Materials Science

Strumenti

MOCVD platform

Furnace cluster

Laboratory automation

SOP development

Descrizione del lavoro

Company description

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore.

Job description

The Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials (I-FIM) at the National University of Singapore is establishing a new state-of-the-art material robotics laboratory dedicated to the advanced synthesis and testing of functional materials, AI-driven autonomous experimental design, and robotic automation. We are seeking a highly motivated materials expert to (1) lead the strategic development and day-to-day operations of the material robotics laboratory, and (2) oversee the operation and management of an established furnace cluster. Experience in the synthesis of low-dimensional materials and thin films using high-temperature growth techniques is highly preferred. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a cutting-edge facility at the forefront of materials discovery and to work closely with interdisciplinary teams spanning computation, automation, and synthesis.

Key Responsibilities

• Key equipment to manage: A fully automated metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) platform, integrated with in-situ testing equipment and supported by gas-handling systems, scrubbers, and a glovebox for safe handling of air-sensitive chemicals and precursors in the material robotics laboratory. Multiple furnaces (tube, muffle), ovens and reactors in the furnace cluster.
• Strategic Leadership & Vision - Support the development and execution of a research roadmap for AI-guided autonomous synthesis of novel functional materials using CVD and high temperature material synthesis platforms
• Laboratory Setup & Management - Oversee the commissioning of furnaces, robotic platforms, and digital infrastructure for synthesis automation. Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and maintenance schedules.
• Safety & Compliance - Develop RAs, SOPs, and safety procedures; manage chemical, gas, high-temperature, vacuum, and equipment hazards; ensure EHS compliance; conduct inspections, training, and corrective actions.
• Equipment Management & Reliability - Manage the equipment lifecycle from procurement and commissioning through maintenance and decommissioning; coordinate FAT/SAT, qualification, calibration, servicing, and troubleshooting
• Technical & Engineering Support - Troubleshoot equipment and process issues; work with researchers, engineers, and OEMs; develop custom solutions and drive equipment/process improvements
• Procurement & Vendor Management - Develop technical specifications, evaluate proposals, manage procurement and acceptance, coordinate vendors, and support equipment and maintenance budgets
• Collaboration & Supervision - Collaborate with researchers across synthesis, computation, automation, and characterization to implement closed-loop materials discovery workflows
• AI Integration - After validating manual experiments, work closely with the institute's AI team to integrate machine learning and autonomous decision-making into the synthesis workflow. Assist in developing or utilizing active learning strategies to optimize synthesis conditions

Job Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field
• Requirement of a PhD might be waived off if the candidate comes with substantial relevant industry experience
• Strong track record in solid-state or thermal synthesis techniques (e.g., CVD, tube furnace synthesis, rapid thermal annealing, ampule synthesis, self-flux, CVT, etc)
• Experience in establishing new lab infrastructure or managing complex research projects
• Proven ability to manage a research group or laboratory setting
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills
• Bonus to have familiarity with lab automation, robotic platforms, or in-situ diagnostics is highly desirable
• Bonus to have demonstrated experience with AI/ML integration in materials science or a strong interest in learning and applying these tools