Scientist, Process Engineering & Safety (ISCE2)

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore is looking for a PhD researcher to focus on membrane science and technology. The role involves designing and executing research projects aimed at sustainable separations, including the development of polymeric membranes.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in membrane fabrication and characterization, alongside a proven ability to publish in top-tier journals. This position offers opportunities for impactful research and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Strong background in membrane science.
• Experience in polymer membranes preferred.
• Proficiency in membrane fabrication and characterization.
• Track record of publishing in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research projects in membrane technology.
• Optimize membrane performance for various applications.
• Conduct literature reviews and propose innovative solutions.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns.
• Lead the preparation of high-impact manuscripts.

Skills

Membrane science

Polymer materials

Gas separation

Characterization techniques

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SEM

TEM

FTIR

XPS

Job description

Job Scope

• Design, develop, and execute research projects in membrane science and technology for sustainable and low-carbon separations.
• Develop advanced polymeric membranes, thin-film composite membranes, mixed-matrix membranes, and molecular-sieving membranes by incorporating sustainable polymers, functional nanomaterials, porous fillers, and advanced crosslinking/interfacial engineering strategies.
• Optimize membrane microstructure, free volume, interfacial compatibility, and transport pathways to achieve high permeability, selectivity, and long-term stability under complex operating conditions.
• Conduct membrane fabrication, modification, and performance evaluation for applications such as CO2 capture, H2 purification, vapor/VOC separation, organic solvent separation, resource recovery, and industrial fluid purification.
• Utilize and troubleshoot advanced characterization techniques, including SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR, XPS, TGA, DSC, DMA, rheology, gas sorption, and permeation measurements, for membrane structure-property analysis.
• Interpret experimental results, compile technical reports, and present research outcomes at project meetings and international conferences.
• Lead the preparation of high-impact manuscripts for top-tier peer-reviewed journals and actively contribute to patent applications and technology translation.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and propose innovative approaches for developing stable, recyclable, scalable, and high-performance membrane materials.
• Assist in mentoring junior researchers, students, and interns, and contribute to collaborative projects with academic and industrial partners.

Job Requirement

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong research background in membrane science and technology, polymer materials, functional materials, or selective separations.
• Prior experience in polymer membranes, thin-film composite membranes, mixed-matrix membranes, molecular-sieving membranes, gas/vapor separation, organic solvent nanofiltration, or membrane transport studies is highly preferred.
• Experience in CO₂ capture, H₂ purification, hydrocarbon separation, vapor/VOC separation, low-carbon separation processes, or membrane stability under humid/complex industrial streams would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in membrane fabrication, membrane characterization, and separation performance evaluation.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR, XPS, TGA, DSC, DMA, rheology, gas sorption, and membrane permeation testing.
• Track record of publishing high-quality papers in membrane science, polymer materials, chemical engineering, or related fields. Experience in patent applications or technology commercialization is an advantage.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, manage research projects, analyze complex data, and solve technical problems.
• Good scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the supervision of junior researchers.