Research Assistant (Sample Growth and Lab Operations)

Job Title: Research Assistant (Sample Growth and Lab Operations)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Materials Science and Engineering

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 17/09/2026

Job Description

We are looking for a hands-on Research Engineer / Research Assistant to support sample growth and day-to-day operation of several laboratory growth systems. The main responsibility is to run growth processes reliably, maintain good records, recognize when something is not right, and help improve sample quality over time.
This role suits someone who is practical, careful, reliable and comfortable working directly with equipment. Prior 2D-materials experience is useful but not required.

The main responsibilities of the position include:

1. Operate and support sample-growth systems.
2. Carry out scheduled growth runs, including evenings or other non-standard hours when required.
3. Prepare samples, substrates and equipment before each run.
4. Check process parameters and clarify uncertainties before starting.
5. Maintain accurate records of growth conditions, samples and observations.
6. Track samples so that results can be linked back to their exact process conditions.
7. Recognize unusual equipment or process behaviour and communicate issues promptly.
8. Support basic troubleshooting and routine equipment maintenance.
9. Compare results between runs and help improve process consistency and sample quality.
10. Support characterization such as Raman, AFM or optical microscopy where appropriate.
11. Process and summarize data using tools such as Python, MATLAB, Excel or similar software.
12. Develop simple scripts or templates to improve data organization, reporting and documentation.

Qualifications

Qualifications / Discipline

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or a related field. Track record can also be sufficient.

Skills

1. Strong hands-on laboratory or technical experience.
2. Careful and systematic working style.
3. Good record keeping and attention to detail.
4. Ability to learn new equipment and processes quickly.
5. Willingness to ask questions when something is unclear.
6. Ability to work independently after training.
7. Good communication skills.
8. Willingness to support scheduled work outside normal office hours when required.

Experience:

Experience in any of the following would be an advantage:

1. Thin-film growth or deposition.
2. CVD, PVD, PECVD or ALD.
3. Vacuum or gas-flow systems.
4. Raman spectroscopy or AFM.
5. Semiconductor or cleanroom processing.
6. Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or experimental data processing.
7. 2D materials.

Req ID: 34447