Job Description

The Nanyang Technological University School of Materials Science and Engineering (NTU MSE) is looking for a highly motivated and experienced candidate to join us as Research Fellow (RF). The RF will join in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research project funded by Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF), aiming to develop a data-centered, autonomous, sustainable and intelligent urban farming system for whole-plant yield optimization.

The RF will join the research team in the efforts to develop a sustainable nutrient delivery approach in soil- and hydroponics- based cultures. The RF will be responsible to develop and fully characterize the delivery platform. The RF will also be responsible to assess the performance of the developed delivery platform in a model greenhouse to optimize productive traits and yield.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct thorough literature review and generate periodic updates

Synthesize, functionalize, and characterize green sustainable delivery platform (e.g. TEM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, TGA, ICP-MS, etc.)

Carry out to assays and analysis to optimize and control the nutrient release from the platform

Assess nutrient delivery effectiveness through measurement of seed germination, plant growth, disease resistance

Carry out biochemical and biological assays to assess bioavailability, phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity of the developed delivery platform.

Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of the research work

Develop and optimize protocols

Supervise junior research staff, undergraduate and graduate student projects

Manage logistical issues and laboratory inventory

Coordinate collaborative work within multidisciplinary team and external collaborators

Generate periodic progress report as required by funding agency

Disseminate research results in reputable peer-reviewed journals and/or international conference

Job Requirements:

PhD in Materials Science/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Biological Sciences/Forensics or related fields

Experience in biomaterial, nanomaterials synthesis, functionalization, and characterization required (e.g. TEM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, TGA, ICP-MS, etc.)

A strong track record of research ability and demonstrated contribution to research (e.g., research publications, grant applications, patents) required

Experience in agriculture/plant science research preferred

Experience in mammalian cell culture preferred

Good communication and writing skills

Good coordination/project management skills

Able to plan and execute experiments with minimal supervision

Able to take initiative to improve processes and troubleshoot problems

Able to organize well and adhere to deadlines

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU

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