Research Fellow (Sustainable Composite Materials for Coastal Infrastructure)

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-Fellow-%28Sustainable-Composite-Materials-for-Coastal-Infrastructure%29/33280-en_GB/

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The National University of Singapore is seeking a motivated Research Fellow to join an applied research project on bio-based Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites for low-carbon corrosion protection of steel structures in severe marine environments.

The project aims to develop and validate sustainable FRP systems derived from bio-based resins as a next-generation solution for protecting coastal and marine infrastructure. The Research Fellow will work closely with a multidisciplinary team from NUS and industry partner Fyfe Asia Pte Ltd, contributing to laboratory testing, durability assessment, field exposure studies, and life-cycle evaluation of bio-based FRP technologies.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a high-impact national research project aligned with Singapore’s coastal protection, infrastructure resilience, and sustainability goals. This role offers strong exposure to industry collaboration, applied materials research, marine durability testing, and technology translation.

Key responsibilities include:

•    Conduct material characterization of bio-based FRP composites, including mechanical and physical property testing.
•    Design and perform durability tests under simulated marine conditions, including salt spray, water resistance, UV exposure, chemical resistance, accelerated aging, and long-term exposure studies.
•    Evaluate the corrosion protection performance of FRP-wrapped steel and compare it with conventional protection methods such as coatings and galvanizing.
•    Support field investigations and exposure testing at coastal or marine test sites.
•    Analyze experimental data and develop service-life insights for FRP-protected steel structures.
•    Assist in life-cycle cost and carbon emission assessments comparing bio-based FRP with conventional FRP and traditional corrosion protection technologies.
•    Prepare technical reports, research publications, presentations, and project deliverables.
•    Collaborate with academic researchers, industry partners, and relevant stakeholders to support technology validation and translation.

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to contribute to a timely and impactful research project addressing one of the most pressing challenges for coastal cities: protecting critical infrastructure in harsh marine environments while reducing carbon emissions. You will work with a multidisciplinary academic-industry team, gain hands-on experience in advanced FRP materials and marine durability research, and help translate sustainable materials technology into real-world coastal protection applications in Singapore and beyond.

Job Requirements

•    Possess a PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
•    Strong background in one or more of the following areas:
     - FRP composites or polymer-based materials/
     - Corrosion protection of steel structures/
     - Marine durability of construction materials/
     - Sustainable construction materials/
     - Structural materials testing/
•    Familiarity with relevant standards such as ASTM, ISO, ACI, ABS, or equivalent testing and design guidelines would be advantageous.
•    Ability to conduct independent research, analyze data rigorously, and prepare high-quality technical reports and publications.
•    Good communication skills (Written and spoken) and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team involving university researchers and industry partners.
•    Open to fixed-term contract.