Research Assistant (Multifunctional Metamaterials)

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

NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Research-Assistant-%28Multifunctional-Metamaterials%29/33292-en_GB/

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The Sustainable and Multifunctional Metamaterials for Industrial Technologies (SUMMIT) Research Group (led by Dr. James Utama Surjadi) is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to assist projects in the development of next-generation mechanical metamaterials. Our group sits at the intersection of mechanics, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. We aim to create multifunctional systems that maintain high performance under extreme conditions, utilizing an innovation pipeline that spans AI-driven design to multiscale characterization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research Execution: Assist research in one or more of our core areas: multifunctional metamaterials, adaptive/tough metamaterials, sustainable nanomanufacturing, or AI-driven materials optimization.
• Computational Modeling: Utilize Finite Element Modeling (FEM), molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and AI/Machine Learning frameworks to predict and optimize the behavior of complex metamaterial architectures.
• Fabrication & Characterization: Fabricate samples and perform multiscale mechanical testing under coupled thermal and electrical environments.
• Dissemination: Prepare high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, patents, and present research at international conferences.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Physics, or related fields

• Interest or experience in mechanical metamaterials, multiscale and multiphysics simulation, mechanics of materials, additive manufacturing, micro/nanofabrication, finite element modeling, AI-driven design, material synthesis, nanomechanics, or experimental characterization

• Highly motivated, collaborative, and able to work in an interdisciplinary research environment

• Good communication skills in English (spoken and written) – for the purpose of presenting research findings in meetings and preparing research progress reports.