Kerja Sepenuh Masa, Doctoral Student di National University Of Singapore - Maukerja

PhD Position in Methane Conversion, Catalysis, and Membrane Research at NUS

Two fully funded four-year PhD positions are available in Prof. Sibudjing Kawi’s research group at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, for the 2027 intake.

The successful candidate will conduct research in one or more of the following areas:

• Thermal catalytic methane pyrolysis for hydrogen and carbon-material production.
• Plasma catalysis for methane activation and selective C–C coupling.
• Ammonia synthesis by plasma catalysis.
• Catalyst design, synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation.
• Membrane materials and catalytic membrane reactors.
• Fixed-bed, fluidized-bed, plasma, or membrane reactor design and scale-up.
• Reaction kinetics, computational modelling, and process simulation.

The specific research direction will be determined by the candidate’s background, research interests, and the group's ongoing projects. The work will involve interdisciplinary research across catalysis, membrane science, reaction engineering, plasma chemistry, materials characterization, and low-carbon hydrogen production.

About the Principal Investigator and Research Group

Professor Sibudjing Kawi leads a multidisciplinary research group working on heterogeneous catalysis, CO₂ capture and utilization, methane conversion, hydrogen production, membrane reactors, plasma catalysis, and advanced materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications.

The group aims to conduct fundamental and application-oriented research, develop scalable catalytic and membrane processes, and publish research findings in high-impact international journals. PhD students will receive training in independent research, scientific writing, project development, advanced characterization, and international research collaboration.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review Professor Kawi’s recent publications and the group’s research activities to ensure a good match with their academic background and research interests.

About the Principal Investigator and Research Group

The candidate will enrol in the PhD programme in Chemical Engineering at the National University of Singapore. The programme normally includes graduate-level coursework, research seminars, a qualifying examination, independent doctoral research, thesis preparation, and an oral defence.

The expected duration of the PhD programme is four years. Financial support will be provided through an NUS scholarship or research project, subject to the candidate meeting the relevant admission and scholarship requirements.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the following or a closely related discipline:

• Chemical Engineering.
• Chemistry.
• Materials Science and Engineering.
• Environmental Engineering.
• Energy Engineering.
• Plasma Science or Engineering.

Candidates with experience in any of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Heterogeneous catalysis.
• Thermal catalysis or plasma catalysis.
• Methane pyrolysis, methane coupling, or hydrogen production.
• Catalyst synthesis and materials characterization.
• Membrane fabrication or catalytic membrane reactors.
• Fluidized-bed, fixed-bed, or plasma reactor design.
• Reaction kinetics, CFD, or reactor modelling.
• Aspen Plus, COMSOL, MATLAB, or Python.
• Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, microscopy, or diffraction techniques.

Applicants should have a strong academic record, good analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively. Good written and spoken English communication skills are required.

Experience in all the areas listed above is not expected. Candidates with a strong foundation in either catalysis, membrane science, plasma research, reaction engineering, or computational modelling will be considered.

Application

Interested candidates should send the following documents to ************* or jiyichen@*************:

1. Curriculum vitae.
2. Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
3. A brief statement describing previous research experience, technical skills, and interest in the position.
4. Relevant publications or research reports, where applicable.

Please use the following email subject:

Application for PhD Position – Methane Conversion and Catalysis

In the application email, candidates should clearly highlight their previous experience in catalysis, plasma systems, membrane research, reactor engineering, computational modelling, or other relevant areas.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an online interview. Shortlisted applicants may also be asked to give a brief presentation on their previous research.

Expected intake: January or August 2027

Research location: National University of Singapore, Singapore

Application deadline: Applications will be considered until the position is filled.