Research Fellow (Nanocatalysis)

About the role

The School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Nanyang Technological University is recruiting a Research Fellow to join a group led by Dr Zhang Zhengyang. The group combines single-molecule localization microscopy, electrochemistry, electron microscopy and nanomaterial synthesis to study catalytic reactions on individual nanomaterials, focusing on how active sites, defects and strain control photocatalytic and electrocatalytic processes. The successful candidate will lead a project on single-molecule localization imaging of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reactions on 2D nanomaterials with engineered defects, covering synthesis, characterization, imaging, measurements, analysis, publication and presentation, while training and co-supervising students.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of research on the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic properties of 2D nanomaterials.
• Synthesize and characterize transition metal dichalcogenides and other nanomaterials with controlled defects.
• Perform single-molecule localization microscopy and correlated optical/electron microscopy to study nanoscale photoreduction and oxidation reactions.
• Conduct electrochemical and photoelectrochemical measurements linking nanoscale activity to catalytic performance.
• Develop programs (e.g. Python, MATLAB) for image processing, single-molecule localization and kinetic data analysis.
• Prepare reports, scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Train and co-supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
• Coordinate procurement of chemicals and consumables, research collaborations and presentations of progress.
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and safety compliance.

Required profile

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or a related field.
• Research experience in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, nanomaterials or single-molecule/super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience synthesizing and characterizing nanomaterials, preferably 2D materials, using XRD, XPS, Raman, SEM, TEM and AFM.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with experience; entry-level candidates are welcome.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, good communication skills, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Required skills

• Programming for image and data analysis (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C/C++)
• Familiarity with scientific software such as Origin and ImageJ/Fiji
• Reaction kinetics and dynamics analysis