Project Officer (Materials Science/Chemistry/Environmental Engineering/Biology)

The School of Materials Science and Engineering is looking for a highly motivated candidate to join us as a Project Officer (PO). The PO will join an MOE funded project led by Prof Ng Kee Woei. The project aims to upcycle keratinous waste for the bioplastics development. The PO will be responsible to develop and optimize the formulation of keratin-based bioplastics, characterize the produced bioplastics and assess its biodegradation profile in soil.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough literature review and generate periodic updates

• Extract the keratin protein

• Formulate and optimize keratin-based bioplastics

• Characterize the keratin-based bioplastics properties (e.g. Mechanical strength, FTIR, SEM, degradability, permeability, water contact, etc.)

• Analyse and interpret research data

• Develop and optimize protocols

• Manage logistical issues and laboratory inventory.

• Participate in collaborative work within multidisciplinary team and external collaborators

• Assist the generation of periodic progress report as required by funding agency

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science/Chemistry/Environmental Engineering/Biology or related fields

• Experience in polymers, biomaterials research and material characterization required (e.g. Mechanical strength, FTIR, SEM, degradability, permeability, water contact, etc)

• Experience in environmental science and engineering will be a bonus

• Good communication and writing skills

• Good coordination/project management skills

• Able to plan and execute experiments with minimal supervision

• Able to take initiative to improve processes and troubleshoot problems

• Able to organize well and adhere to deadlines

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.