Research Engineer, Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry, ISCE2

Job Description and Requirements About the role The Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²) is seeking a motivated Research Engineer to support our research focus in adaptive and sustainable soft matter materials. You will join a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation functional and sustainable materials – from monomer and crosslinker design through to advanced polymer platforms with applications in adhesives, coatings, gels and stimuli-responsive systems. The position bridges fundamental materials chemistry and applied industrial translation, offering the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and directly with industry partners. Key responsibilities • Design and execute organic synthesis of novel monomers, crosslinkers and functional building blocks. • Develop and optimise controlled polymerisation routes (e.g., free-radical, photo-initiated and step-growth chemistries) to deliver target polymer properties. • Formulate and characterise functional polymer systems, including adhesives, hydrogels/organogels and stimuli-responsive networks. • Establish structure–property relationships through rigorous chemical, thermal, mechanical and spectroscopic characterisation. • Support scale-up and process transfer of promising formulations toward pilot and industrial application. • Maintain meticulous experimental records, and contribute to technical reports, patents and peer-reviewed publications. • Present findings clearly to internal teams and industry stakeholders, and uphold laboratory safety, quality and data-integrity standards. Requirements • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline. • Demonstrated hands-on expertise in organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry, with a strong grasp of reaction mechanisms and purification techniques. • Proficiency with standard characterisation methods (e.g., NMR, FTIR, GPC/SEC, DSC/TGA, rheology). • Strong problem-solving ability, experimental rigour and attention to detail. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment. Desirable • Experience with functional or sustainable polymers, adhesives, ionic liquids, photopolymers, or debondable/recyclable materials. • Familiarity with formulation, coating or thin-film processing. • A track record of peer-reviewed publications, patents or successful industry collaboration. What we offer You will work in one of Singapore's foremost public-sector research environments, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant network of academic and industry collaborators. ISCE² is committed to sustainability-driven innovation, and you will play a direct role in translating chemistry into real-world impact.