Scientist, Composite Materials ( Institute of Materials Research & Engineering )

A*STAR International; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research & Engineering invites applications for a Scientist, Composite Materials. The role emphasizes research on next-generation circular plastic materials via reconfigurable covalent linkages, with hands-on monomer design, polymer synthesis, network formation, and recycling studies.

Collaboration with modelling/data teams and industry partners is expected. The candidate will contribute to high-impact publications, patents, and technology disclosures, while

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related field required.
• Strong experimental background in polymer synthesis and recyclable materials.
• Experience with dynamic covalent chemistry and thermoset networks.
• Peer-reviewed publications or patents in polymer chemistry or advanced materials.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize monomers, dynamic crosslinkers, and polymer networks with reconfigurable covalent linkages.
• Develop recyclable, reprocessable thermoset and polyurethane systems.
• Establish structure-property relationships through systematic formulation and testing.
• Characterise polymers (thermal, mechanical, rheological, spectroscopic) and recycling processes.
• Support validation with industrial partners and disseminate results.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Dynamic covalent chemistry

Thermoset networks

Recyclable polymers

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, or related field

Tools

NMR

FTIR

GPC/SEC

DSC

TGA

DMA

Rheology

Tensile testing

Adhesive testing

Composite testing

Job description

Scientist, Composite Materials ( Institute of Materials Research & Engineering )

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 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.

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, crosslinked network design, and materials performance evaluation.
• Hands-on experience with NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, tensile testing, 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.

Competencies

Achieving Outcomes 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

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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