Research Fellow (Mass Engineered Timber)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: The Built Environment

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 25/03/2026

Job Description

The Department of the Built Environment, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Department of Architecture are jointly conducting research on harnessing regional tropical timber/bamboo for sustainable and durable mass engineered timber (MET) products for the Tropics. We are looking for one candidate who can contribute in the following ways:

• Map out the typology and availability of different timber and non-timber (bamboo) species in the Asia-Pacific region that can potentially provide MET products to Singapore
• Conduct a critical review of the forest management methods and practices of plantations in the Asia-Pacific region
• Review and customize a set of sustainable forestry standards that is applicable and appropriate for Singapore
• Arrange logistic for the procurement of timber and non-timber samples for experimentation in Singapore
• Conduct rigorous life cycle assessment of all the different timber and non-timber products identified, as a way of verifying their environmental sustainability
• Where necessary, assist in the technical studies on the different timber and non-timber samples
• Communicate with suppliers in Malaysia, Indonesian, Japan and/or China

This position is for up to two years, with a chance for extension.

Qualifications

Essential requirements:

• PhD degree in civil engineering, timber engineering, wood/timber science, sustainability/industrial ecology or closely related fields
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high-quality research
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills in English, and able to produce clear reports/recommendations
• Strong project execution skills, including procurement/logistics coordination

Added Advantage:

• Familiarity with Asia-Pacific forestry industries and/or tropical timber/bamboo species and markets
• Proven experience engaging industry stakeholders to obtain data and information
• Be available to take up position within 1 month of notice of award

Application

The submission deadline is 15 April 2026

Please consolidate the following documents as one PDF document and email it to A/P Kua Harn Wei (bdgkuahwi@nus.edu.sg). Kindly indicate “Timber Research Postdoctoral Fellowship” in the email subject title

a) Cover letter,

b) Curriculum Vitae (CV) including full publication list and last drawn salary

c) Personal Statement (one page) about research interest, career goals, relevant experience and motivations for applying for this position, and

d) 4 reference letters (including 1 letter from main PhD supervisor).

Apply now