Research Fellow (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy), ChBE

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Fellow (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at Kent Ridge Campus. Lead independent SERS research, design plasmonic substrates, and develop analytical methods for chemical and biological targets.

The role requires PhD-level expertise, hands-on SERS experience, and a track record of publication.

Qualifications

• PhD in a chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering or analytical science.
• Hands-on SERS research experience with substrates fabrication and Raman instrumentation.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent SERS research including design, fabrication, optimization and characterization of substrates.
• Develop plasmonic nanomaterials and structures for high-sensitivity SERS performance.
• Design experiments to study enhancement mechanisms, reproducibility and analytical performance.
• Develop Raman/SERS methods for qualitative and quantitative detection of targets.
• Mentor students and contribute to reports, grants, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Skills

SERS

Raman spectroscopy

Plasmonics

Nanomaterials

Data analysis

Multivariate analysis

Education

PhD in Chemistry / Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Physics / Nanotechnology / Biomedical Engineering / Analytical Science

Tools

Raman spectrometer

Substrate fabrication facilities

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Research Fellow (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy), ChBE

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Posted On: 14/08/2026

Job Description

1. SERS Research & Development

• i. Lead and conduct independent research in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), including the design, fabrication, optimization, and characterization of SERS-active substrates.
• ii. Develop innovative plasmonic nanomaterials and nanostructures to achieve highly sensitive, reproducible, and application‑specific SERS performance.
• iii. Design and execute experiments to investigate enhancement mechanisms, signal reproducibility, substrate stability, and analytical performance.
• iv. Develop and optimize Raman and SERS‑based analytical methods for qualitative and quantitative detection of chemical and biological targets.
• v. Perform spectral acquisition, processing, interpretation, and multivariate data analysis using advanced analytical and statistical techniques.
• vi. Establish experimental protocols, calibration methodologies, and validation procedures for emerging sensing applications.

2. Research Project Execution

• i. Plan, coordinate, and execute research activities to ensure timely achievement of project objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
• ii. Maintain accurate experimental records, ensure research integrity, and comply with all laboratory safety and regulatory requirements.
• iii. Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, project updates, and funding agency submissions.
• iv. Manage the end‑to‑end development, on‑site implementation, and deployment of the carbon capture units at designated industrial sites.

3. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• i. Collaborate closely with faculty members, research staff, students, industrial partners, and external collaborators on interdisciplinary projects.
• ii. Support technology translation and validation activities through engagement with industry and end‑users.
• iii. Present research findings at internal meetings, international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.

4. Scientific Publications & Grant Support

• i. Lead the preparation and publication of high‑quality scientific manuscripts in internationally recognized peer‑reviewed journals.
• ii. Contribute to the development of research proposals, grant applications, and new collaborative research initiatives.

5. Laboratory Mentorship & Management

• i. Assist in supervising undergraduate, postgraduate, and junior research personnel.
• ii. Support laboratory management activities, including equipment maintenance, procurement, training, and establishment of standard operating procedures.
• iii. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and safe research environment.

Job Requirements

1. Educational Background

• i. Candidates shall hold a PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Analytical Science, or a closely related discipline.
• ii. Candidates with a strong research background in Raman spectroscopy, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), plasmonics, nanomaterials, or biosensing are highly preferred.

2. Research Experience

• i. Candidates are expected to possess hands‑on experience in SERS research, including substrate fabrication, nanomaterial synthesis, Raman instrumentation, and spectral analysis.
• ii. Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas will be highly advantageous: plasmonic nanostructures, nanoparticle synthesis, microfluidics, biosensors, surface chemistry, machine learning for spectroscopy, and point‑of‑care diagnostics.
• iii. A strong publication record in reputable international journals is preferred.

3. Language & Communication

• i. Candidates shall demonstrate excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• ii. Ability to prepare scientific publications, technical reports, grant‑related documentation, and research presentations independently.
• iii. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support collaboration across multidisciplinary and international teams.
• iv. Candidates should also possess strong Chinese‑speaking communication skills to effectively coordinate and liaise with the Chinese‑speaking research community.

4. Core Competencies & Skills

• i. Candidates are expected to possess strong experimental design, problem‑solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
• ii. Ability to independently manage multiple research tasks while maintaining high standards of scientific rigor and productivity.
• iii. Demonstrated capability to contribute to collaborative and interdisciplinary research programmes.

5. Soft Skills

• i. Candidates shall be self‑motivated, proactive, and highly organized.
• ii. Strong attention to detail and commitment to research excellence.
• iii. Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team‑oriented environment.
• iv. Willingness to mentor students, contribute to team development, and support the broader research mission.