Research Associate (Silk Fibroin Microfluidic Spinning) Full-time

The School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) provides a vibrant and nurturing environment for staff and students to carry out inter-disciplinary research in key areas such as Computational Materials Science, Characterisation Materials Science, Defence Composite Materials, Functional Composite Materials, Energy, Nanomaterials, Low Dimensional Materials, Biomaterials Materials, Biological Materials, Bioinspired Materials and Sustainable Materials.

The Wu Research Group in MSE at NTU is working on cutting-edge research and development in textile materials for personalized healthcare and sustainability. We develop functional fiber materials with specific photonic and electronic properties by polymer molecular engineering and fiber structure design. Together with advanced textile technology, machine learning, and life cycle assessment, we aim to create sustainable wearable systems to enhance human well-being.

For more details, please view https://www.ntu.edu.sg/mse/research .

We are looking for a Research Associate to advance microfluidic spinning of silk fibroin for the creation of bioinspired fibers with tailored morphology, mechanical and functional properties. The role will focus on the design, fabrication, and characterization of microfluidic chips, and their application in silk fiber spinning under hydrodynamic focusing, contributing to NTU's mission of pioneering advanced materials for healthcare and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the conduct of research projects with team members to ensure timely completion of deliverables.

• Lead the design, fabrication, and optimization of microfluidic chips for silk fibroin spinning.

• Programme experimental protocols, data acquisition workflows, and analysis methods for hydrodynamic focusing and fiber formation studies.

• Configure and operate microfluidic systems for controlled spinning of bioinspired silk fibers.

• Develop novel spinning strategies to achieve tailored fiber morphology, mechanical performance, and functional properties.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on interdisciplinary projects in biomaterials, soft robotics, and biomedical devices.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate student in microfluidic design, fabrication, and experimental techniques.

• Assist in grant writing and preparation of research proposals.

• Maintain laboratory operations, including equipment upkeep, procurement of consumables, and liaison with suppliers.

• Prepare high-quality technical reports, publications, and presentations to disseminate research findings.

Job Requirements:

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong hands-on experience in microfluidic chip design, fabrication, and operation, preferably for biomaterials processing or fiber spinning.

• Knowledge of silk fibroin preparation, characterization, and processing will be an advantage.

• Proficiency in experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis, including relevant programming tools (e.g., COMSOL, MATLAB, and Python).

• Good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality publications and technical reports.

• Strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to develop innovative solutions under tight timelines.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

• Experience in mentoring students or junior researchers is preferred.

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

Hiring Institution: NTU