Principal Research Fellow (4D Printing Technology)

About the role

The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) at Nanyang Technological University is seeking a Principal Research Fellow to lead the research and commercialization activities of the 4D printing technology. The role will translate the project’s research and clinical progress into various commercial applications, while integrating market validation, business‑model development, strategic partnerships, IP and licensing strategy, regulatory‑commercial planning, manufacturing strategy, fundraising readiness and spin‑off formation.

Key responsibilities

• Direct research activities that translate 4D Printing research into commercially viable applications.
• Secure major external funding by writing competitive research grants and partnering with industry or government bodies.
• Align technical and clinical teams to incorporate customer, partner and regulatory feedback into product‑development priorities.
• Lead commercialization strategy, venture development and execution against government grant objectives.
• Develop and validate business models, value propositions, market‑entry strategies and customer requirements.
• Build pipelines of OEMs, distributors, clinical partners, investors and strategic partners and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Coordinate commercial aspects of HSA/FDA, QMS, manufacturing and legal strategies with specialists.
• Lead spin‑off formation, IP/licensing, financial modelling, fundraising and investment‑readiness activities.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in engineering, science, technology, business or a related field.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience, including senior responsibility for deep‑tech commercialization, venture creation or technology transfer.
• Strong track record in research translation, competitive translational funding, industry partnerships, licensing/spin‑offs and venture readiness.
• Demonstrated capability in business‑model development, market validation, IP strategy, fundraising and strategic negotiation.
• Excellent stakeholder‑management and communication skills across academia, government, industry, clinical partners and investors.
• International experience and strong networks in Singapore’s innovation ecosystem and global industry are advantageous.