Senior Research Fellow (Self-Driving Labs) Full-time

Senior Research Fellow

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, Biological Materials, Bioinspired Materials and Sustainable Materials.

We are looking for a Senior Research Fellow to develop documentation for self-driving lab hardware and software protocols. The role will focus on ultra- low cost self-driving lab systems, reproducing systems via 3D printing, programming microcontroller firmware, and producing comprehensive documentation to enable replication of these systems.

We are seeking a Senior Research Fellow to support the end-to-end design and development of customized self-driving laboratory (SDL) hardware systems, with a strong emphasis on additive manufacturing, 3D printer-based system development, mechanical design, and mechatronics. The role involves extensive use of 3D printers for fabricating custom parts, modifying and optimizing 3D printer hardware and firmware to meet experimental requirements, and integrating these systems into functional laboratory platforms.

The successful candidate will work closely with the research team under Asst. Prof. Leonard Ng Wei Tat to develop complete experimental systems such as custom liquid-handling devices, bioprinting platforms, robotic-assisted automation setups, and other bespoke research hardware, taking them from conceptual design to functional deployment and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and optimize custom low-cost SDL (Self-Driving Lab) hardware systems, with a heavy focus on additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies.
• Modify and optimize 3D printer firmware, including motion control, temperature regulation, extrusion parameters, and multi-axis system synchronization.
• Develop and integrate customized liquid handling systems, bioprinting platforms, and specialized automation rigs.
• Program and interface microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, STM32) with various motors, sensors, and actuators.
• Perform rigorous hardware debugging, calibration, and performance optimization.
• Contribute to funded research projects, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are completed within stipulated timelines.
• Collaborate effectively with both internal and external research partners on the development and scaling of SDL technologies.
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation, grant applications, experimental logs, and research reports.
• Manage lab operations, including equipment maintenance, procurement of technical components, and coordination with external suppliers.
• Support academic activities by conducting technical demonstrations and providing training to students or junior researchers where relevant.
• Provide administrative support for group operations and general laboratory management to maintain an efficient research environment.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant technical hands-on experience in a similar role or specific technical scope.
• Solid knowledge and proficiency in additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies.
• Skilled in mechanical design and 3D CAD software, such as Fusion360 or SolidWorks.
• Proficiency in embedded systems programming (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, or similar) and 3D printer firmware customization or tuning.
• Proven ability in hardware prototyping, testing, and debugging, including familiarity with open-source hardware ecosystems.
• Familiarity with relevant national codes and standards.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Competence in information visualization and interaction design.
• Basic scripting or control software development skills (e.g., Python or C++) are advantageous.
• Experience with robotics, automation systems, bioprinting, or liquid handling platforms is highly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and develop robust solutions under strict timelines.
• Meticulous and organized, with a strong eye for detail and excellent time management skills.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU