Research Associate (MET Product Development / Timber Engineering)

Job Title: Research Associate (MET Product Development / Timber Engineering) University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Architecture Employee Category: Research Staff Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus Posting Start Date: 10/06/2026 Job Description

The Department of Architecture, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Department of Built Environment 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 areas:

• Prototyping and Adhesive Testing
• Timber/Bamboo Grading and lamellar strength determination/classifications guidelines
• Range of product sizes and configurations and their respective design data/properties for Glulam / CLT / Laminated Bamboo Lumber (LBL)
• Factory production control and audit practices / requirements
• Assist in technical studies on the different timber and non-timber /MET products
• Assist in preparing manuscripts for academic journal articles, filing of patents and/or conference presentations.
• Assist PI and Co-PIs in general administrative management of the research project.

Duration of Appointment:

Up to 2 years contract, with possibility of renewal.

Gross Monthly Salary Range:

Salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualification and experience.

Estimated no. of work hours per week:

42 h/week (Fulltime appointment)

Qualifications

Essential requirements:

• Qualified to Master level or higher degree in MET Product Development / Timber Engineering and/or related discipline.
• At least 2 years’ relevant work experience and good knowledge, skills and expertise in relevant field
• 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
• Experience with MET product development (min. 1 year).
• Excellent communication skills with diverse collaborators and specialists.
• Ability to work independently.

Added Advantage:

• Familiarity with Asia-Pacific forestry industries and/or tropical timber/bamboo species and markets
• Basic knowledge of Bahasa Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, Japanese or Chinese for communication with Asian foresters / manufacturers
• Proven experience engaging industry stakeholders to obtain data and information

Application deadline:

15th Jul. 2026 (Till the position filled).

Application

Please consolidate the following documents as one PDF document and email it to A/P Shinya Okuda (akiso@nus.edu.sg) and A/P Pang Sze Dai (ceepsd@nus.edu.sg). Kindly indicate “Application to Research Associate (MET Product Development / Timber Engineering)” 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) Names and contact information of 3 references (PhD supervisor or collaborators are allowed)

Appreciate your understandings in advance that only selected qualified applicants will receive responses. Shortlisted candidates may also be asked to submit additional documents for our considerations, if necessary.