Research Fellow (AI-driven Sensomics)

About TUMCREATE TUMCREATE is a multidisciplinary research platform of the Technical University Munich (TUM) at the Singapore Campus 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 program, ‘Proteins4Singapore,’ funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF), is a collaborative effort between the Technical University Munich (TUM), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI). As part of the Proteins4Singapore team, you will work alongside renowned scientists in plant and food technology, food chemistry, materials science, and business sustainability. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the program aims to develop state-of-the-art methods and techniques to ensure a sustainable protein supply for highly urbanized environments. Please visit www.tum-create.edu.sg for more information about TUMCREATE. Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Fellow co-supervised with Associate Professor Kelin Xia from Nanyang Technological University. As part of the Proteins4Singapore project,the Research Fellow will contribute to the research topic of “AI-drivenSensomics”, which is to employ AI models to analyse and understand molecular basis of flavor and sensory perception in food and other products. This position plays a critical role in advancing sustainable protein solutions for urban environments through interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing expertise from computer sciences, mathematics, physical chemistry, food science, and soft matter physics. This is a fixed term contract until March 2027. Key Responsibilities • Work with experimentalists to collect and consolidate sensomics experimental data • Performdatapre-processing and build up interface for data visualization, comparison, andanalysis • Developand apply AI models, in particular geometric deep learning models (i.e., graphneural network models), LLM models (BERT, ChemBERTa, etc), and Diffusion models(AlphaFolds, RFdiffusion, etc), to analyze sensomics data • Elucidate on molecular basis of flavor and sensory perception in food and other products • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate AI models, molecular mechanism, and sensory systems, to gain both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of chemo receptive events in our nose and oral space, thereby contributing to the project’s long-term goals of advancing sustainable food technologies and developing innovative methodologies for food texture analysis • Engage in collaborative research, data analysis, and interpretation, while contributing to the writing of research papers, reports, and presentations for dissemination at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. • Participate in lab meetings, seminars, and collaborative research discussions to align with project goals and objectives. • Supervise junior group members including undergraduate and doctoral students. Key Competencies • Strong understanding of molecular structure, dynamics, and mechanisms • Experience in studying molecular structure-function relationships and molecular design and discovery • Expertise in molecular AI models, including graph-based geometric deep learning, sequence-based LLMs, and molecular generation models (AlphaFolds,RFdiffusion, etc).  • Strong analytical skills, with experience in using Mathematics and AI tools for data analysis. • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in particular communication of complex scientific concepts to both specialists and non-specialists in a multidisciplinary research environment. • Proven ability to conduct independent research and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams including working effectively within deadlines. • Self-motivated and adaptable, with strong problem-solving skills and theability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment. Qualification Requirements • Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science or cognate discipline from a reputable university. • At least 1 year of experience in AI for Science. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. What we offer • A collaborative and inclusive world class research environment. • Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment. • Opportunities for professional development and career growth. • Engagement with a leading research team committed to advancing an emerging topic of global relevance. Applications Please send your complete application, including cover letter, CV, university transcripts, and degree certificates, hr@tum-create.edu.sg. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We are looking forward to your application!