"Research Associate (Process Systems)"

Posting Start Date: 20/02/2026

Job Description

Research Associate position in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at National University of Singapore (NUS).

With a strong focus on industrial projects, we are developing our high-impact technologies beyond the lab scale. As a Research Associate, you will contribute to our industry project focusing on scaling up our electro-metallurgical refining technologies to extract critical materials (Li, Ni, Co, Mn) and produce high-value battery precursors. We are seeking a passionate and experienced individual to design, test and optimize lithium separation and purification processes leading both R&D and scale-up to pilot-scale deployment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of lab-scale and pilot-scale experiments for lithium separation and purification processes.
• Evaluate and refine lithium separation methodologies, focusing on adsorption, membrane separations, ion-exchange, precipitation and crystallization routes, etc.
• Investigate and optimize lithium selectivity mechanisms to effectively mitigate the co-extraction of impurities such as Na, Mg, and K etc.
• Collaborate with R&D and Engineering team members to integrate extraction technologies into downstream refining workflows.
• Perform rigorous characterization of Li products to meet battery-grade specifications.
• Maintain and troubleshoot lab and pilot equipment; support build-out and commissioning activities.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records to support technical documentation and intellectual property (IP) generation.
• Author technical reports, develop process specifications, and present findings to internal teams and external industry partners.
• Ensure all operations comply strictly with laboratory safety protocols and international regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mineral Processing, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial or applied R&D experience in chemical or mineral processing, specifically with lithium extraction from brines, ores, mine tailings, or battery waste.
• Deep technical understanding of electro-metallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and advanced separation methods for impurity removal.
• Hands-on experience with analytical and characterization techniques, including ICP, XRD, SEM, PSD, and TGA.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, statistical Design of Experiments (DOE), and systemic process optimization.
• Proven experience working within R&D workflows, pilot plant operations, and new product development cycles.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a collaborative mindset suited for multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Self-motivated and capable of independently driving process improvements and research outcomes.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: College of Design and Engineering

Department: Materials Science and Engineering

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID: 31826