Research Associate - Adhesive Bonding and Debonding Instrumentation

About the role

The Aumovio-NTU Corporate Laboratory Centre, part of NTU's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is recruiting a Research Associate to study the bonding and debonding of adhesively bonded hybrid joints using modified adhesives. The work covers cleaning adhesive traces and rebonding with minimal surface preparation, and developing instrumentation and fixtures for automation.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate the modification of adhesives with suitable trigger chemicals and the hysteresis heating response under external stimuli.
• Fabricate hybrid joints with modified adhesives and investigate their debonding response.
• Develop a test matrix for comprehensive parametric studies.
• Develop instrumentation and fixtures for automation.
• Use advanced finite element or machine learning tools for process optimisation.
• Publish results in journals, present at conferences and file patents where appropriate.

Required profile

• MSc, MTech or MEng in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical or Aerospace Engineering, with a background in polymer chemistry, adhesive joint failure analysis, material design, mechanical design or chemical testing (rheology).
• One or two years of academic or industrial research experience preferred.
• Good team player, project management skills and a positive attitude.

Required skills

• Hands-on experience with polymers, adhesive bonding technology, machine or mechanism design and mechanical testing.
• Advanced finite element or machine learning tools for process optimisation.