Research Fellow (Food Science & Technology)

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

NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Research-Fellow-%28Food-Science-&-Technology%29/33647-en_GB/?st=88FD934BECCDA890E93C1B2187A0BF7E4657B5D4

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

The successful candidate will work with Asst Prof PANG Bo on research related to biodegradable composite foams, under an A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grant (YIRG) funded project focused on developing all-natural cellulose–plant protein biofoams as sustainable, high-performance alternatives to plastic foams for cold-chain packaging.

The main responsibilities of the position include:

• Fabricate and characterize DES-assisted, functionalized cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), using FTIR, XPS, ssNMR, TEM, AFM, zeta potential and rheological analysis.
• Develop and optimize CNF–plant protein interfacial co-assembly for stable wet foam formation.
• Establish ambient air-drying and hydrophobization protocols for dry foam fabrication, and characterize foam microstructure, mechanical performance and thermal insulation properties.
• Conduct life-cycle assessment and cold-chain packaging validation trials benchmarking foam performance against commercial PS/PP foams.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, patent drafting, and co-supervision of postgraduate/undergraduate students involved in the project.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer/ Fiber Engineering, Nanomaterials or a closely related discipline, with a research focus on nanofibrous, aerogel or foam-type functional materials.

Skills:

• Hands-on expertise in fibrous network fabrication (sol-gel processing, electrospinning, freeze-casting/ice-templating, chemical crosslinking) and multi-mode structural, thermal, and mechanical characterization; strong capability in independent research, grant proposal writing, and student mentoring.

Experience:

• Ph.D. training in nanofibers and hybrid materials, with a strong first-author publication record on functional aerogels/foams; demonstrated experience in freeze-casting/ice-templating of fibrous materials directly relevant to the project's aerogel/foam fabrication route.