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.
For more details, please view https://www.ntu.edu.sg/mae/research.
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.
Hiring Institution: NTU