Research Associate – Additive Manufacturing of Mg-alloy Thermal Management

About the role

The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) at NTU is seeking a Research Associate to develop and optimise additive manufacturing processes for magnesium‑alloy cold plates used in high‑heat‑flux thermal management. The role combines experimental work, process development and material characterisation to deliver high‑performance cooling solutions for next‑generation electronic and energy systems.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimise Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) parameters for Mg‑alloys, including laser power, scan speed, hatch spacing, layer thickness and scan strategies.
• Conduct systematic Design of Experiments (DoE) to link process parameters with microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal performance.
• Select and evaluate Mg‑alloy powders, assessing morphology and particle size distribution for LPBF suitability.
• Fabricate coupon‑scale samples and perform mechanical testing (tensile), thermal conductivity measurements and microstructural analysis.
• Design, fabricate and characterise additively manufactured thermal management components such as cold plates, internal cooling channels and micro‑structured heat‑transfer surfaces.
• Investigate relationships between processing conditions, material microstructure, thermal performance and structural integrity using conventional and advanced characterisation techniques.

Required profile

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with additive manufacturing, preferably LPBF of metallic alloys.
• Strong analytical skills for experimental design and data interpretation.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.

Required skills

• Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process development
• Design of Experiments (DoE)
• Mechanical testing (tensile)
• Thermal conductivity measurement
• Microstructural analysis and materials characterisation
• Additive manufacturing of Mg‑alloys

What we offer

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art 3D printing facilities and characterisation equipment.
• Opportunity to contribute to high‑impact research with industry relevance.
• Collaborative environment within a leading global 3D printing research centre.