Scientist, Composite Materials, IMRE

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research invites a Research Scientist to join NRFI programme focusing on reconfigurable covalent bond engineering for circular plastics. You will design monomers and polymer networks, characterize materials, and contribute to publications and technology disclosures.

You will work with interdisciplinary teams, support industry collaborations, and drive the development of recyclable, reprocessable thermosets and related materials toward practical

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related field.
• Strong experimental background in polymer synthesis, dynamic covalent chemistry, thermoset networks, or recyclable polymer materials.
• Solid understanding of structure–property relationships, cross‑linked network design, and materials performance evaluation.
• Hands-on experience with characterisation of circular polymers, and/or adhesive or composite testing.
• Track record of high-quality peer‑reviewed publications, patents, or technology disclosures in polymer chemistry or advanced materials.
• Experience in recyclable composites, debondable adhesives, fibre‑reinforced polymers, or translational materials research is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate research outcomes to scientific, programme‑management, and industry audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesise monomers, dynamic crosslinkers, and polymer networks incorporating reconfigurable covalent linkages.
• Develop recyclable, reprocessable, and repairable thermoset and polyurethane systems with targeted mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance.
• Establish structure-property-process relationships through systematic formulation, network tuning, and performance evaluation.
• Perform thermal, mechanical, rheological, spectroscopic, degradation, and recycling characterisation of polymer materials.
• Support application‑oriented validation in recyclable composites, such as carbon‑fibre‑reinforced polymer matrices, and circular adhesives.
• Investigate recycling, reprocessing, depolymerisation, monomer recovery, and materials recovery under practically relevant conditions.
• Work with modelling, AI, or data teams to structure experimental datasets and enable chemistry‑informed design of circular polymer systems.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, invention disclosures, patent filings, and presentations for internal reviews and external stakeholders.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Dynamic covalent chemistry

Thermoset networks

Materials performance evaluation

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry/Materials Science/Chemical Engineering/Organic Chemistry

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join an interdisciplinary National Research Foundation’s Investigatorship (NRFI) programme focused on next-generation circular plastic materials enabled by reconfigurable covalent linkage engineering. The successful candidate will conduct hands‑on experimental research in monomer/linker design, polymer synthesis, dynamic network formation, materials characterisation, and recycling studies, with emphasis on recyclable/reprocessable thermosets. The role will contribute to high‑impact publications, technology disclosures, patents, and application validation with industrial partners.

Key Requirements

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong experimental background in polymer synthesis, dynamic covalent chemistry, thermoset networks, or recyclable polymer materials.
• Solid understanding of polymer structure-property relationships, cross‑linked network design, and materials performance evaluation.
• Hands‑on experience with characterisation of circular polymers, and/or adhesive or composite testing.
• Track record of high‑quality peer‑reviewed publications, patents, or technology disclosures in polymer chemistry or advanced materials.
• Experience in recyclable composites, debondable adhesives, fibre‑reinforced polymers, or translational materials research is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate research outcomes to scientific, programme‑management, and industry audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesise monomers, dynamic crosslinkers, and polymer networks incorporating reconfigurable covalent linkages.
• Develop recyclable, reprocessable, and repairable thermoset and polyurethane systems with targeted mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance.
• Establish structure-property-process relationships through systematic formulation, network tuning, and performance evaluation.
• Perform thermal, mechanical, rheological, spectroscopic, degradation, and recycling characterisation of polymer materials.
• Support application‑oriented validation in recyclable composites, such as carbon‑fibre‑reinforced polymer matrices, and circular adhesives.
• Investigate recycling, reprocessing, depolymerisation, monomer recovery, and materials recovery under practically relevant conditions.
• Work with modelling, AI, or data teams to structure experimental datasets and enable chemistry‑informed design of circular polymer systems.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, invention disclosures, patent filings, and presentations for internal reviews and external stakeholders.

Competencies

• Critical Thinking
• Agility
• Displays clear understanding of the proposed field of study
• Management Skills (People and Project)