Research Associate

The School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) is a robust, dynamic and multi-disciplinary international research community comprising of world-class scientists and bright students. MAE prides itself in its excellent research capabilities in areas including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biomedical, energy, industrial engineering, maritime engineering, robotics, etc. The school is equipped with state-of-the-art research infrastructure, housing a comprehensive range of cluster laboratories, test bedding facilities, research centres/institutes and corporate laboratories. Cutting-edge research in MAE addresses the immediate needs of our industries and supports the nation's long-term development strategies. In the new era of industrial 4.0 and sustainable living, MAE is rigorous in developing new competencies to support the growth and competitiveness of our engineering sector in the global landscape. MAE has grown to be leader in Engineering Research, ranking amongst the top engineering schools in the world.

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We are looking for a Research Associate to support advanced research on solid oxide cells (SOCs), oxygen-vacancy-driven interface engineering, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) based surface modification for perovskite oxide electrodes. This position will contribute to next-generation high-efficiency electrochemical energy systems, focusing on stability and activity, Sr segregation suppression, surface defect control strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Experimental Research & Materials Processing

• Conduct ALD coating processes on perovskite electrodes

• Execute wet-chemical infiltration and nanoparticle exsolution for SOC electrodes.

• Prepare SOC samples including powder synthesis, pellet pressing, sintering, and cell assembly

Electrochemical Characterization

• Perform EIS, DRT, LSV, Power density, impedance stability tests under fuel cell and electrolysis modes

• Operate button-cell test station, high-temperature furnace systems, gas flow control units

Advanced Characterization & Mechanistic Study

• Conduct structural and chemical analysis:
  XPS, TEM/STEM-EDX, SEM, GI-XRD

• Correlate oxygen vacancy chemistry with cation behavior, phase evolution, and surface

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Perform peak fitting, DRT modeling, defect-chemistry analysis, and thermodynamic interpretation

• Build reaction mechanisms and degradation maps linking nanostructure and performance relationships

Documentation, Writing & Presentation

• Prepare high-impact manuscripts for top energy and materials journals

• Draft project reports, SOPs, and safety documents

• Present findings in group meeting, conference, and academic seminars

Collaboration & Project Contribution

• Work with team members

• Support senior researchers and supervise student trainees when necessary

Safety and Facility Management

• Maintain ALD system and sample preparation facilities

• Ensure compliance with lab safety protocols

Job Requirements:

Education qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, or related field

• Strong scientific communication and manuscript writing

• Independent, proactive, and detail-oriented research attitude

• Excellent collaboration and time-management ability

• Hands-on experience in ALD, electrochemistry, perovskite oxides, or thin-film systems

• Proficiency in XPS, XRD, TEM/STEM, EIS, DRT, surface analysis

• Python/Origin/Matlab for data analysis is advantageous

• Experience in SOC/SOFC/SOEC, electrocatalysis, ALD nanocoatings, or defect engineering preferred

• Materials synthesis, vacuum systems, surface science

• Electrochemical testing and reliability studies

• Strong understanding of oxygen vacancy chemistry and cation transport

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.