Research Associate (Multifunctional Concrete ) Full-time

Research Associate Position

The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore is a globally recognized research and education hub committed to advancing sustainable, resilient, and intelligent infrastructure systems. CEE conducts cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in smart construction materials, structural health monitoring, energy-efficient infrastructure, and next-generation urban technologies, with strong collaborations across academia and industry worldwide.

This position will be hosted within a dynamic research team led by Assistant Professor Dong Wenkui focusing on multifunctional concrete and advanced cementitious materials for smart and sustainable infrastructure applications. Current research directions include self-sensing concrete, energy-harvesting and storage cementitious materials, and conductive and low-carbon concrete. The successful candidate will have opportunities to work on innovative projects involving advanced material characterization, multifunctional composite design, and smart infrastructure technologies, while collaborating with researchers and students in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

We are looking for a Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research team working on multifunctional cementitious materials for next-generation smart and sustainable infrastructure. The role will focus on the development of innovative concrete materials and systems for energy harvesting and energy storage applications, including triboelectric, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and electrochemical cement-based technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, material fabrication, advanced characterization, data analysis, and high-quality scientific publications, while supporting the broader research mission of advancing low-carbon and intelligent infrastructure solutions at Nanyang Technological University.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, fabricate, and characterize multifunctional cementitious materials and concrete systems for energy harvesting and storage applications.
• Conduct laboratory experiments involving cementitious composites, nanomaterials, electrochemical measurements, and multifunctional performance evaluation.
• Perform material characterization and data analysis using advanced experimental techniques and analytical tools.
• Assist in developing experimental methodologies, test protocols, and research workflows for ongoing projects.
• Prepare high-quality journal manuscripts, review papers, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Support project management activities, including procurement, laboratory safety compliance, and research documentation.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, industry partners, and international collaborators on related research projects.

Job Requirements:

• Master (for Research Associate equivalent) qualification degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated focus on energy harvesting, energy storage materials, or functional cementitious composites.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in at least two of the following areas: 1) Structural supercapacitors or battery-integrated concrete; 2) Piezoelectric, thermoelectric, or triboelectric energy harvesting materials; 3) Conductive cementitious composites; 4) Electrochemical characterization.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and codes (e.g., ASTM, EN, or ISO for concrete testing; electrochemical cell design for energy storage devices.
• Good written and oral communication skills with a proven ability to draft research reports, prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at group meetings or conferences.
• Interpersonal skills (e.g. Ability to work independently / develop solutions under strict timelines, meticulous and eye for details / excellent organizational / time management skills)

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

Hiring Institution: NTU