Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to develop new polymers for adhesives and coatings, with a focus on stimuli-responsive materials and photochemistry. You will design and synthesise functional polymers, formulate them into adhesives and coatings, and create materials whose properties (adhesion, curing, debonding, degradation) switch on demand under triggers such as light and electricity. The role combines fundamental polymer chemistry with application-driven research, from molecular design through to prototypes with industry partners.

You will work in an industry joint lab alongside partner scientists, and collaborate with leading scientists in polymer chemistry and materials science in Singapore and internationally. Initial appointment is 2 years, extendable subject to performance and funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesise functional monomers and polymers, e.g. (meth)acrylates, polyurethanes/thiourethanes, ionic and dynamic covalent networks, using controlled and photo-mediated polymerisation.
• Formulate pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives and functional coatings, including stimuli-responsive systems (debond-on-demand, self-healing, recyclable) triggered by light or electricity.
• Apply photochemistry and photopolymerisation to develop light-responsive materials and sustainable polymer processes.
• Investigate structure–property relationships to understand how network architecture, dynamic bonds and additives govern adhesion, switching and durability.
• Characterise materials (NMR, GPC, FTIR, UV–Vis, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology) and evaluate adhesive performance (peel, lap-shear, tack).
• Work with industry partners to translate lab-scale materials into prototypes, and support scale-up and technology transfer.
• Deliver against milestones for industry and grant partners; publish in high-impact journals and contribute to patents.
• Present to partners and at conferences, contribute to grant proposals, and mentor engineers and students.
• Maintain safe laboratory practice, rigorous documentation and good data management.

Key Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field (candidates about to submit are welcome).
• Strong hands-on experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis.
• Experience in at least one of: adhesives, coatings, photochemistry or photopolymerisation.
• Proficiency in standard polymer characterisation.
• Track record of first-author peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong problem-solving skills, scientific curiosity and the ability to translate research ideas into practical solutions.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams; excellent written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with light- or electrically responsive materials, or electrochemistry.
• Knowledge of dynamic covalent chemistry, vitrimers, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents or gels.
• Familiarity with adhesive testing standards (ASTM/ISO) and surface analysis.
• Industry collaboration experience or patents.

What We Offer

• Work in an industry joint lab with leading international companies.
• Collaboration with leading scientists in polymer chemistry and materials science worldwide.
• State-of-the-art synthesis, photochemistry and characterisation facilities at A*STAR.
• Opportunities to lead publications and patents, with mentorship and career development.
• A dynamic, collaborative and multidisciplinary environment that values initiative and scientific excellence.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits, commensurate with qualifications and experience.