Post-doctoral positions at National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

Starting April 2016, we will have openings for two post-doctoral fellow positions in experimental and computational mechanics of advanced polymers. These positions will support a new research program between Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and National University of Singapore (NUS) funded by Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The project focuses on synthesizing, characterizing, modeling, and simulating the thermo-mechanical behavior of polymers with covalent adaptable networks (CANs), e.g. vitrimers. The goal is to understand the behavior involved in their reprocessing and recycling.  The requirements and expectations are described below -

1. Experimental Program (at SUTD) – We seek a post-doctoral candidate who will lead the synthesis and characterization of CAN polymers and studying their reprocessing and recycling behavior.  This will include synthesizing materials and fabricating samples, characterizing them using standard analysis techniques, developing new test approaches and instruments to characterize the behavior of bonded and reprocessed samples.

An ideal candidate must have demonstrated expertise in the characterization of advanced materials (ideally, polymers) using relevant experimental techniques. Desired skills include demonstrated experience synthesizing polymers, molecular dynamics simulation of polymers, and/or anayzing polymer components using finite element methods. The selected person will be expected to interact closely with colleagues at NUS on theory and modeling and simulation approaches for CAN polymers.

 2. Computational Program (at NUS)- The objective is to formulate a hierarchical modeling and simulation approach, which closely mimics key steps in the recycling and reshaping processes of CAN polymers by embedding the physics at two length-scales – (i) discrete-continuum (meso-scale) and (ii) homogenized continuum (macro-scale). The post-doctoral fellow for this position will primarily focus on the discrete-continuum modeling and simulation part with the aim of making connections with macro-scale models.

An ideal candidate must demonstrate a strong background in computational materials mechanics with experience in polymer rheology and viscoplasticity. Experience with developing or implementing discrete element modeling of granular media is highly desirable. Knowledge of high performance computing will be a plus. The selected person for this position will be expected to interact closely with colleagues at SUTD on experimental characterization of CAN polymers.

For both positions, candidates must possess a PhD in Mechanical/ Civil/ Materials Science or allied fields with strong written skills (demonstrated in the form of publications in reputed journals) and oral communication.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with educational qualifications and work experience. If you are interested, please contact Prof. Shailendra P. Joshi (shailendra@nus.edu.sg) for the Computational post-doc position or Prof. Martin Dunn (martin_dunn@sutd.edu.sg) for the Experimental post-doc position. The application package should include your detailed CV and the names of at least two references.

Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.