"Research Fellow (Precise solute separation using Organic Solvent Nanofiltration)"

Job Description

The National University of Singapore (NUS) invites applications for a Research Fellow (RF) position in precise solute separation using organic solvent nanofiltration for the separation and purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Professor Chuyang TANG, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE).

This position is embedded in the Tang Lab’s membrane research program, which focuses on membrane and filter technology, environmental materials, desalination, water reuse, resource recovery, and water-energy nexus. He/she is required to perform the followings:

• Lead experimental research on thin-film composite (TFC) membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN), focusing on precise control of polyamide interfacial polymerization kinetics under non-aqueous conditions to achieve tailored nanoscale structures and enhanced solute selectivity.
• Design and synthesize functionalized, or stimuli-responsive membrane materials optimized for OSN, targeting molecular-level selectivity for specific solutes in organic solvents through engineered interfacial chemistry.
• Clarify transport mechanisms in OSN systems by quantifying coupled effects of molecular sieving, solute-solvent interactions, solvent-induced membrane swelling, and interfacial reaction dynamics at the nanoscale.
• Disseminate research findings through publications in high-quality journals, and present research at international conferences.
• Assist in mentoring of PhD, master, and undergraduate students in Tang’s Lab and across CEE.
• Manage research projects and prepare progress reports.
• Prepare internal and external research proposals.

Job Requirements

• Possess a PhD degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry/Physics or a closely related field.
• At least 1–2 years of relevant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in membrane materials, organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN), interfacial polymerization, and polymer synthesis.
• Has prior strong publication record in membrane materials, organic solvent nanofiltration, interfacial polymerization, and polymer synthesis.
• Proven hands-on expertise in synthesizing OSN-compatible thin-film composite (TFC) membranes, including polyamide interfacial polymerization and performing OSN-specific performance evaluation.
• Established expertise in engineering solvent-compatible interfacial chemistry via post-polymerization modification (e.g., plasma grafting, zwitterionic functionalization) to enhance selectivity for target solutes (e.g., active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)) in non-aqueous media.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Values teamwork and can work independently.
• Open to a fixed-term contract.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: College of Design and Engineering

Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID: 31432

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