Research Fellow (Department of Materials Science and Engineering)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Materials Science and Engineering

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 18/03/2026

Job Description

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Barbaros Oezyilmaz and Dr Toh Chee Tat on the synthesis and applications of 2D amorphous carbon materials under a large-scale research programme on monolayer amorphous carbon (MAC) for next-generation dielectric and quantum applications.

The main responsibilities of the position include:

The project aims to advance the fundamental understanding and technological applications of 2D amorphous materials by developing novel chemical vapour deposition (CVD) techniques and integrating them into functional device platforms. This project offers opportunities for both international academic collaboration and engagement with industry partners. The candidate will:

• Design, build, and optimise CVD growth systems for the synthesis of atomically thin amorphous carbon films with controlled structural properties.
• Perform fundamental research on the growth mechanisms, thermodynamics, and atomic-scale defect engineering of 2D amorphous materials.
• Conduct advanced materials characterisation using techniques including but not limited to TEM/SAED, EELS, Raman spectroscopy and XRD.
• Develop use cases for monolayer amorphous carbon (MAC) films targeting applications such as ultralow-k dielectrics for the semiconductor industry and quantum-relevant defect hosting.
• Analyse and outline pain points and challenges of relevant industries (e.g., semiconductor, quantum computing) that would be addressed by processes and products developed with 2D amorphous materials.
• Perform experimental research in 2D amorphous material device fabrication and characterisation.
• Deliver high-impact publications in leading journals and support patent filing where applicable.
• Write research grant proposals and contribute to obtaining funding.
• Mentor PhD and Master students.

Qualifications

Qualifications / Discipline:
Candidates should hold a PhD in Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Electrical or Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.

Skills:

• Proven track record of excellence in experimental nanomaterials research, demonstrated by first-author publications in high-impact journals.
• Strong background in chemical vapour deposition (CVD) techniques for the synthesis of carbon-based or two-dimensional materials is required.
• Hands-on experience in designing, building, or significantly modifying CVD or other thin-film growth systems is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in advanced materials characterisation techniques (e.g., TEM, EELS, Raman, XRD, synchrotron-based methods, or mass spectrometry techniques such as TOF-SIMS).
• A detailed understanding of the thermodynamics and mechanisms governing materials growth, phase transitions, or defect engineering in carbon-based systems is preferred.
• Strong network for collaborations in materials characterisation and application development.
• Able to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to resolve complex issues and to make technical, administrative, and procedural decisions and judgments.
• Well-spoken and written English language ability is essential.

Experience: