Research Fellow (Membrane), ChBE

Job Description

Research Fellow (membrane) positions in the Department of Chemical Engineering at National University of Singapore (NUS).
With a strong focus on industry-driven projects, our team is advancing high-impact membrane solutions beyond the laboratory scale toward real-world deployment.

As a Research Fellow, you will work on an industry-funded project focussing on scaling up advanced membrane systems for carbon capture applications. The role involves designing, optimizing, and scaling membrane modules and testing platforms. We are seeking independent, talented, and experienced individual who is motivated to translate research into practical technology.
Candidates interested in entrepreneurship and startup environments are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities
-    Lead the design and fabrication of membrane modules for gas separation applications.
-    Fabricate hollow fiber membranes via spinning processes for gas separation.
-    Scale up hollow fiber membrane and module fabrication from laboratory to pilot scale.
-    Design and build testing setups for hollow fiber membrane gas separation systems.
-    Conduct membrane performance testing for carbon capture applications.
-    Liaise with manufacturing partners and vendors to develop prototypes and ensure successful fabrication from design to production.
-    Willing to learn simulation tools, such as ASPEN HYSYS, COMSOL CFD, Matlab.
-    Perform process simulation and optimization using tools such as Aspen HYSYS.
-    Conduct CFD simulations to optimize membrane module design.
-    Develop and improve experimental and modeling workflows for membrane scale-up.

Job Requirements

-    PhD in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
-    Strong knowledge of membrane materials, membrane chemistry, and gas separation mechanisms.
-    Experience in hollow fiber membrane spinning and module fabrication for gas separation applications.
-    Experience in membrane testing and characterization for gas separation systems.
-    Experience working with polymeric or crystalline materials (e.g., MOFs, ZIFs, COFs) is preferred.
-    Additional experience in membrane technology scale-up is an advantage.
-    Familiarity with Aspen HYSYS, COMSOL (CFD), or MATLAB is beneficial.
-    Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
-    Not afraid to experiment and enjoys hands-on tinkering.
-    Thinks critically and develops customized solutions to troubleshoot problems.
-    Interest in entrepreneurship or startup ventures is encouraged.
-    Fluent in English (written and spoken).