Senior Researcher (Aerogel | Powder-Particle Modification Expert)

PRIMESTAFF MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTE LTD; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovator in advanced material solutions is seeking a Senior Researcher in Singapore. This role involves spearheading R&D efforts in aerogel technologies, focusing on powder-particle modification to enhance performance. Candidates should have significant experience in materials science, particularly in thermal insulation applications, and a strong background in characterization methods. Join a dynamic team driving material innovation with real-world applications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6–8 years of related R&D experience in materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering.
• Strong foundation in organic/inorganic particle synthesis and material formulation.
• Extensive hands-on experience in aerogel materials or other thermal insulation products.
• Ability to design and conduct robust testing protocols and interpret test data.
• Experience in collaborating with manufacturing teams for process optimization.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality compliance.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute advanced R&D projects on aerogel materials.
• Design experiments and optimize processes for powder-particle modification.
• Develop innovative formulations for maximum performance.
• Prepare detailed research reports and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address complex material challenges.

Skills

Advanced Technical Expertise in Materials Science or Chemistry

Specialization in Aerogel or Thermal Insulation Materials

Proficiency in Advanced Characterization & Testing Methods

Formulation, Prototyping & Benchmarking

Process Optimization, Scale-Up & Technology Transfer

Strong Documentation, Safety & IP Awareness

Problem-Solving & Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

BET surface analysis

TGA

DSC

SALD

SEM

FTIR

rheometry

mechanical testing

Job description

Position: Senior Researcher (Aerogel | Powder-Particle Modification Expert)

Location: Singapore – Science Park

Our client is a leading innovator in advanced material solutions, specializing in the development of high-performance aerogel technologies for thermal insulation, energy storage, and sustainable applications. With a focus on pioneering research, cutting‑edge particle engineering, and scalable manufacturing methods, they are driving material science forward to meet the demands of industries seeking superior performance and environmental responsibility. As part of their continued growth, they are seeking a Senior Researcher to join their R&D team and lead the next wave of innovation in aerogel materials, with a particular focus on powder‑particle modification – especially surface and size modification – to unlock next‑generation performance.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Researcher with deep expertise in powder-particle modification, particularly in the surface and size modification of aerogel particles. You will lead and execute advanced R&D projects, designing and running experiments, developing innovative formulations, and optimizing processes to control particle properties for maximum performance. This role spans the full cycle from lab‑scale innovation to process scale‑up, ensuring safety compliance, meeting quality standards, and contributing to intellectual property.

Your proven track record in complex materials research, mastery of particle engineering techniques, and ability to translate surface and size modification expertise into commercially viable products will be key in delivering solutions that meet stringent performance, quality, and commercial targets.

7 MUST-HAVE Requirements

1. Advanced Technical Expertise in Materials Science or Chemistry

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 6–8 years of related R&D experience in materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering.
• Strong foundation in organic/inorganic particle synthesis, material formulation, and development of composites, coatings, or particle-based systems.

2. Specialization in Aerogel or Thermal Insulation Materials

• Extensive hands‑on experience in the formulation, development, and optimization of aerogel materials or other thermal insulation products.
• Proven expertise in powder‑particle modification, with advanced knowledge in surface chemistry modification, particle size distribution control, morphology engineering, and their impact on aerogel performance.
• In-depth knowledge of particle and powder technology, including rheology, caking behaviour, flow characterization, packing, particle interaction, and powder characterization.

3. Proficiency in Advanced Characterization & Testing Methods

• Skilled in BET surface analysis, TGA, DSC, SALD, SEM, FTIR, rheometry, mechanical testing, and surface analysis.
• Ability to design and conduct robust testing protocols, interpret test data, define product specifications, and iterate formulations/designs for improvement.

4. Formulation, Prototyping & Benchmarking

• Develop and test prototypes with targeted surface properties and particle sizes to meet defined specifications, quality standards, competitor benchmarks, and customer requirements.
• Utilize in‑house test equipment or engage external testing institutes to assess prototype performance and regulatory compliance.

5. Process Optimization, Scale‑Up & Technology Transfer

• Proven ability to move from lab‑scale experimentation to pilot or production‑scale processes.
• Experience in collaborating with manufacturing teams for process optimization, quality control, and technology transfer.
• Identify and evaluate new raw materials, processing equipment, and technologies for synthesis and optimization.

6. Strong Documentation, Safety & IP Awareness

• Prepare detailed research reports, SOPs, and technical documentation.
• Maintain meticulous records and databases of all R&D activities.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements, quality compliance, and contribution to patents or other intellectual property.

7. Problem‑Solving & Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration

• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills with proven ability to address complex material challenges, especially in particle and surface modification.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work both independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and commercial functions.

This Role is Perfect for You If…

• You are passionate about pushing the boundaries of material innovation, particularly in aerogels and other high‑performance particle‑based materials.
• You thrive on combining scientific curiosity with practical application, transforming research concepts into commercially viable products.
• You enjoy working in a collaborative, fast‑paced R&D environment where your contributions directly shape next‑generation material solutions.
• You are driven by the challenge of solving complex technical problems that have real‑world industrial and environmental impact.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

EA License No.: 95C5411 | PrimeStaff Management Services Pte Ltd

EA Personnel Reg. No.: R1106591 | Jenn Tan