Research Fellow (SDL Systems)

About TUMCREATE

TUMCREATE is a multidisciplinary research platform of the Technical University Munich (TUM) at the SingaporeCampus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE). We are joining forces with universities, public agencies, and industry for the advancement of future technologies.

Our large-scale Food Science Proteins4Singapore program is funded by Singapore's National ResearchFoundation (NRF). The Technical University Munich (TUM) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) join forces with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and A.STAR's Singapore Institute of Food and BiotechnologyInnovation (SIFBI) to research plant-based proteins.

Please visit for more information about TUMCREATE.

Job Purpose/Objective of the Position:
We are seeking a candidate to join the NRF Proteins4Singapore programme, a collaborative initiative between TUM, NTU, SIT, and A.STAR SIFBI. The successful candidate will design, build, and operate ultra-low-cost self-driving laboratory (SDL) systems for the autonomous optimisation of protein synthesis from microalgaeand soybean using carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) cocktails. Working under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Leonard Ng Wei Tat (NTU), the candidate will develop bespoke low-cost automated platforms that integrate closed-loop AI-driven experimentation with enzymatic bioprocessing workflows, taking hardware and experimental protocols from concept through to validated deployment.

This is a fixed term contract until March 2027.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, fabricate, and deploy ultra-low-cost SDL hardware systems tailored for automated enzymatic optimisation of protein synthesis from microalgae (e.g., Chlorella, Spirulina) and soybean feedstocks.
• Develop and integrate customised low-cost liquid handling modules and bioreactor platforms for high-throughput screening of CAZyme cocktail compositions, concentrations, and treatment conditions.
• Modify and optimise 3D printer firmware and motion control systems (including temperature regulation and multi-axis synchronisation) to support specialised bioprocessing and dispensing hardware.
• Program and interface microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, STM32) with sensors, pumps, actuators, and fluidic systems to enable fully autonomous closed-loop experimental workflows.
• Implement and adapt AI/ML-driven optimisation algorithms-including Bayesian optimisation and active learning-to guide SDL experimental campaigns targeting maximal protein yield and quality.
• Collaborate closely with food scientists and biochemists to design and validate enzymatic treatment protocols for cell wall disruption and protein solubilisation from algal and leguminous matrices.
• Contribute to all funded research milestones under the NRF Proteins4Singapore programme,ensuring timely delivery of experimental datasets and progress reports.
• Perform rigorous hardware debugging, sensor calibration, platform validation, and performance benchmarking across all developed SDL systems.
• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation, peer-reviewed publications, grant progress updates, and experimental logs.
• Manage laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, procurement of technical components, and coordination with external suppliers and research partners.
• Support academic activities by conducting technical demonstrations and providing training to junior researchers and students where relevant.

Job Requirements/Competencies:

• Solid conceptual and practical understanding of self-driving laboratory (SDL) design principles, including closed-loop automated experimentation and AI-guided optimisation.
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing) and low-cost hardware prototyping for laboratory automation.
• Proficiency in embedded systems programming (Arduino, ESP32, STM32, or equivalent) and integration of sensors, pumps, and actuators.
• Experience or strong interest in AI/ML-based optimisation methods, particularly Bayesian optimisation or active learning applied to experimental workflows.
• Understanding of enzymatic biochemistry, especially carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) andtheir application to biomass processing, is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with protein quantification and characterisation techniques (e.g., BCA assay, SDS-PAGE, amino acid analysis) is preferred.
• Proficiency in Python scripting for data analysis, hardware control, or automation pipeline development.
• Skilled in 3D CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360 or SolidWorks) for custom component design and hardware integration.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and technical reports.
• Meticulous and organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team under strict research timelines.

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Bioengineering, Food Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• At least 1 year of relevant hands-on laboratory or technical experience in a related research setting.
• Candidates with a PhD and demonstrated research output in relevant domains are preferred for the Research Fellow designation.

What TUM CREATE offers you:

• Competitive salary that commensurate with experience
• Medical insurance
• Good amount of leave/vacation days
• Vibrant, modern and positive working environment in Singapore
• Campus-sited office location with a host of facilities
• In-building perks including gym, game room and coffee room

Applications:

Please send your application including cover letter and CV to . We look forward to yourapplication.