Scientist , Advanced Manufacturing & Semiconductor, IAIC

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist. This role involves developing computational models and analyzing failure mechanisms for polymeric sealing systems in oil and gas applications. Candidates should possess a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, strong experience in finite element modeling, and proficiency in programming languages. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with engineers and industry partners, contributing to high-impact research in reliability engineering.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field like Mechanical Engineering or Applied Physics.
• Experience with finite element modeling and software like Abaqus.
• Knowledge of polymer behavior and degradation mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Develop finite element models to evaluate sealing systems.
• Automate parametric studies and perform sensitivity analyses.
• Investigate failure modes and develop degradation models.

Skills

Finite Element Modelling

Mechanical Engineering

Python Scripting

Polymer Material Behavior

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Abaqus

MATLAB

Job description

Job Summary

The AMS Division, IHPC, A*STAR, is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team. This position is part of a joint laboratory initiative with an Oil & Gas company, focusing on the degradation behavior and reliability of polymeric seals in mechanically energized sealing systems used in oil and gas applications.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing computational models, analyzing failure mechanisms, and enhancing the long-term reliability of polymeric sealing systems. This research is of strong industrial relevance and involves close collaboration with engineers and experimentalists from industry.

The Key Scope of Work Includes

• Develop finite element (FE) models of mechanically energized sealing systems to evaluate performance and reliability under thermal, mechanical, and environmental loads.
• Automate FE-based parametric studies and perform sensitivity analyses to identify critical material and geometric factors affecting seal performance.
• Investigate failure modes such as viscoelastic relaxation, thermal aging, and thermal cycling; develop and validate degradation models for these mechanisms.
• Integrate degradation models with traditional metrics (compressive stress relaxation, mechanical property evolution) for performance prediction.
• Work with experimental teams and partners to refine test procedures, define reliability criteria, and assess lifecycle failure risks.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Solid background in continuum mechanics, polymer material behavior (especially aging and viscoelasticity), and finite element modelling (FEM).
• Sufficient experience in FE software (e.g., Abaqus) and Python scripting for automation and parametric studies; experience with statistical FE analysis is a plus.
• Knowledge of polymer degradation mechanisms, aging tests, or reliability engineering methodologies is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (Python, Fortran, MATLAB, or similar).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and industrial partners.
• Proven ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality technical reports and publications.