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 commercialisation of its 4D printing technology. The role turns research and clinical progress into commercial applications, covering market validation, business models, partnerships, IP and licensing, regulatory-commercial planning, manufacturing strategy, fundraising readiness and spin-off formation.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out direct research that translates 4D printing into applications with commercial potential.
• Secure major external funding through competitive research grants and partnerships with industry or government bodies.
• Align with technical and clinical teams to turn customer, partner and regulatory feedback into product priorities, validation requirements and commercial specifications.
• Lead the commercialisation strategy, venture development and execution against government grant fund objectives.
• Develop and validate the business model, value proposition, market-entry strategy and customer requirements.
• Build pipelines of OEM, distributor, clinical, manufacturing, investor and strategic partners and advance commercial agreements.
• Coordinate commercial aspects of HSA/FDA, quality management systems, manufacturing and legal-manufacturer strategy with specialists.
• Lead spin-off, IP/licensing, financial modelling, fundraising and investment-readiness activities.
• Establish commercial KPIs, governance, risk management and stakeholder reporting.

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 commercialisation, venture creation, technology transfer or technology-based businesses.
• Strong track record in research translation, 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 across academia, government, industry, clinical partners and investors.
• International experience and strong networks in Singapore's innovation ecosystem and global industry are advantageous.