(Senior) Scientist, Surface Remanufacturing Technology , ARTC

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Singapore is seeking a PhD-qualified researcher to lead projects in spray coating technologies. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience and a solid understanding of materials science, with a focus on experimental design and data analysis. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to translate research into practical applications. This role offers opportunities for innovative research in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in spray coating technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with characterisation tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot and improve processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D efforts in various spray coating processes.
• Design and conduct coating trials with optimised parameters.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and partners.

Skills

Spray coating technologies

Materials science fundamentals

Data analysis

Experimental design

Good communication skills

Education

PhD degree in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Microscopy (optical, SEM)

XRD

Hardness testing

Job description

About the Group

The Surface Remanufacturing Technology (SRT) Group at ARTC develops advanced surface engineering, coating, and finishing technologies for industrial applications. Projects are often industry-driven or competitively funded, involving both fundamental R&D and translation into practical, production-scale processes.

Role Summary

You will lead and execute research in spray coating technologies, spanning atmospheric pressure plasma(APP), ultrasonic spray, vacuum plasma spray (VPS), cold/hybrid spray, etc., to develop new processes and materials, optimise performance, and ensure scalability & reliability. The role involves experimental design, materials and process characterisation, technology integration, and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D efforts in spray coating processes: APP / VPS, ultrasonic spray, vacuum plasma spray, cold/hybrid spray, etc.
• Design, setup, and conduct coating trials; optimise process parameters (e.g. temperature, spray distance, feedstock, carrier gas, dwell time) to meet functional requirements (adhesion, hardness, wear / corrosion resistance, hydrogen embrittlement resistance etc.).
• Select or develop coating materials (powders, liquids), pre-/post-treatment processes, and investigate their effects on microstructure and performance.
• Perform materials and microstructural characterisation: sample preparation (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etc.), microscopy (optical, SEM), spectroscopy, XRD, hardness / mechanical testing, etc.
• Troubleshoot and improve process stability, reproducibility, and scalability; understand failure modes and address issues.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (materials scientists, mechanical engineers, surface metrology experts) and with industrial partners for technology transfer.
• Stay up to date on emerging spray coating technologies and guide incorporation of new techniques (e.g. VPS, advanced feedstocks, hybrid processes).

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Surface Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience
• Demonstrated experience in at least one or more spray coating technologies (APP / ultrasonic spray / vacuum plasma spray / cold spray / etc.).
• Solid understanding of materials science fundamentals: phase transformations, microstructure, adhesion, thermal effects, etc.
• Experience with material characterisation tools: microscopy (optical, SEM), XRD, hardness testing, etc.
• Ability to design experiments, optimise process parameters, analyse data, and draw actionable conclusions.

Desirable:

• Experience in scale-up / pilot / industrial implementations of coating processes.
• Knowledge of post-coating treatments (heat treatment, polishing, sealing, etc.).
• Familiarity with surface metrology and performance testing (wear, corrosion, fatigue).
• Project management experience; ability to guide junior researchers / engineers / lab officers
• Good communication skills (technical writing, presentations), and ability to collaborate with internal & external stakeholders.

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.