NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE Hiring! Full Time Research Fellow (Food Science - Technology) in West Region (Singapore), Earn up to SGD 5,750 - Ricebowl

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUSCareer Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you applyvia NUS Career Portal.

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We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The successful candidate will work with Asst Prof PANG Bo on research related to biodegradable composite foams, under an A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grant (YIRG) funded project focused on developing all-natural cellulose–plant protein biofoams as sustainable, high-performance alternatives to plastic foams for cold-chain packaging.

The main responsibilities of the position include:

• Fabricate and characterize DES-assisted, functionalized cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), using FTIR, XPS, ssNMR, TEM, AFM, zeta potential and rheological analysis.
• Develop and optimize CNF–plant protein interfacial co-assembly for stable wet foam formation.
• Establish ambient air-drying and hydrophobization protocols for dry foam fabrication, and characterize foam microstructure, mechanical performance and thermal insulation properties.
• Conduct life-cycle assessment and cold-chain packaging validation trials benchmarking foam performance against commercial PS/PP foams.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, patent drafting, and co-supervision of postgraduate/undergraduate students involved in the project.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer/ Fiber Engineering, Nanomaterials or a closely related discipline, with a research focus on nanofibrous, aerogel or foam-type functional materials.

Skills:

• Hands-on expertise in fibrous network fabrication (sol-gel processing, electrospinning, freeze-casting/ice-templating, chemical crosslinking) and multi-mode structural, thermal, and mechanical characterization; strong capability in independent research, grant proposal writing, and student mentoring.

Experience:

• Ph.D. training in nanofibers and hybrid materials, with a strong first-author publication record on functional aerogels/foams; demonstrated experience in freeze-casting/ice-templating of fibrous materials directly relevant to the project's aerogel/foam fabrication route.