Scientist, Composite Materials, IMRE

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore seeks a Research Scientist to develop new chemistry for synthesis, functionalisation, and transformation of polymeric materials, focusing on catalytic, electrochemical and photochemical methods.

The role spans synthetic and physical organic chemistry, catalysis, and polymer science, working with characterisation, processing, modelling and automation teams to accelerate discovery and establish structure–property–process

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with relevant postdoctoral or industrial research experience preferred.
• Strong experimental background in synthetic organic and/or polymer chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in catalysis, electrochemistry, photochemistry, polymer functionalisation, sustainable or bio-derived polymers, chemical recycling, or functional/hybrid materials.
• Sound understanding of reaction mechanisms and polymer structure–property relationships.
• Hands‑on competence with advanced synthesis techniques and analytical methods for materials characterisation.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, with a strong track record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and to engage academic and industrial collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesise functional polymers and small‑molecule building blocks using advanced catalytic and polymerisation chemistry.
• Develop catalytic, electrochemical, or photochemical methods for selective bond activation, polymer functionalisation, and post‑polymerisation modification.
• Explore chemical recycling, depolymerisation, and upcycling routes for commercial and bio‑derived polymers.
• Develop functional materials from renewable or alternative feedstocks while maintaining competitive performance.
• Elucidate reaction mechanisms and establish relationships between molecular structure, processing, properties, and recyclability.
• Collaborate with modelling, data science, and automation teams on accelerated materials discovery.
• Evaluate promising materials and processes with consideration of scalability, sustainability, and industrial translation.
• Contribute to publications, intellectual property, research proposals, industry engagement, and mentoring of junior researchers.

Skills

Experimental techniques

Polymer synthesis

Catalysis

Analytical methods

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Publish peer‑reviewed work

Education

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

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to develop new chemistry for the synthesis, functionalisation, and chemical transformation of polymeric materials. The role focuses on catalytic, electrochemical, and photochemical approaches to selective bond activation and polymer modification, with the aim of creating high-performance materials with improved functionality and viable end-of-life pathways.

The successful candidate will work across synthetic and physical organic chemistry, catalysis, and polymer science, and will collaborate with characterisation, processing, modelling, and automation teams to accelerate materials discovery and establish structure–property–process relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesise functional polymers and small-molecule building blocks using advanced catalytic and polymerisation chemistry.
• Develop catalytic, electrochemical, or photochemical methods for selective bond activation, polymer functionalisation, and post-polymerisation modification.
• Explore chemical recycling, depolymerisation, and upcycling routes for commercial and bio-derived polymers.
• Develop functional materials from renewable or alternative feedstocks while maintaining competitive performance.
• Elucidate reaction mechanisms and establish relationships between molecular structure, processing, properties, and recyclability.
• Collaborate with modelling, data science, and automation teams on accelerated materials discovery.
• Evaluate promising materials and processes with consideration of scalability, sustainability, and industrial translation.
• Contribute to publications, intellectual property, research proposals, industry engagement, and mentoring of junior researchers.

Key Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with relevant postdoctoral or industrial research experience preferred.
• Strong experimental background in synthetic organic and/or polymer chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas including catalysis, electrochemistry, photochemistry, polymer functionalisation, sustainable or bio-derived polymers, chemical recycling, or functional/hybrid materials.
• Sound understanding of reaction mechanisms and polymer structure–property relationships.
• Hands-on competence with advanced synthesis techniques and analytical methods for materials characterisation.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, with a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and to engage academic and industrial collaborators.

Competencies

Achieving Outcomes

Agility

Demonstrates critical thinking and problem solving skills

Displays clear understanding of the proposed field of study

Effective Communication

Innovativeness

Possesses a strong background in relevant academic / research field

Working with Others