Senior Researcher

Job Purpose

The Senior Researcher will lead R&D efforts in advanced material synthesis for rare-earth permanent magnets under RMK13, approved by MOSTI. The role focuses on developing high-performance magnet architectures with enhanced magnetic strength, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance through both simulations and experimental validation. The researcher will scale up lab processes into high-yield manufacturing workflows, establishing SOPs and quality protocols. A key responsibility includes integrating these magnets into downstream applications such as EV motors, renewable energy systems, electronics, and IoT devices, ensuring compatibility with advanced manufacturing technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D on rare-earth-based permanent magnets, focusing on formulation, process development, and magnetic characterization.
• Collaborate with partners, vendors, and academia to accelerate material readiness and manufacturability.
• Support national REE and magnet initiatives through technology development aligned with government priorities and industry needs.
• Mentor junior researchers, engineers, and interns working on magnet-related projects.
• Disclose innovative IPs and contribute to the national REE IP portfolio.
• Publish high-impact journal articles and present at relevant technical conferences to promote Malaysia’s capability in rare earth magnets

Qualifications

•  Bachelor/Master/PhD in Engineering or Material Science equivalent

Relevant Work Experience

• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in R&D environment
• In-depth knowledge of rare-earth magnet materials (e.g., NdFeB, SmCo) and their synthesis via solid-state, metallurgical, or chemical methods.
• Expertise in characterization techniques for structural, magnetic, thermal, and corrosion properties (e.g., XRD, VSM, SEM-EDS, TGA/DSC, SQUID).
• Familiarity with pilot-scale process development, including powder metallurgy, sintering, coating, and machining of magnetic materials.
• Qualified/Proficient in simulation and modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, JMAG) for magnetostatics, thermal performance, and mechanical stress analysis.
• Experience in setting up standard operating procedures (SOPs), process workflows, and quality control in R&D and scale-up environments.
• Skilled in integrating magnetic components into EV motors, electronics, and green tech systems with consideration for manufacturability.

Additional Preference

• Familiarity with emerging technologies in advanced materials, magnetics, and their integration into next-generation electronics, EV systems, and renewable energy solutions.
• Recognized professional certifications such as Six Sigma (e.g., DFSS Green/Black Belt), Chartered Engineer (CEng), or equivalent quality/process improvement credentials.
• Active participation in professional bodies (e.g., IEEE, TMS, MRS, ASM International), with contributions to technical committees, panels, or standardization initiatives.
• Strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, patents, or technical disclosures in materials science, magnetic materials, or related engineering domains.