Research Fellow (Department of the Built Environment)

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Research-Fellow-%28Department-of-the-Built-Environment%29/32689-en_GB/st=3AD67F3F9F9A0445A10039E2325A83A2799069CD

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

. Conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to study Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects associated with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
. Review the literature on urban microclimate modelling, UHI mitigation strategies, and building physics.
. Perform parametric studies under different scenarios and evaluate the thermal impact of UHI mitigation strategies, including greenery, cool paint, radiative cooling films, and different PV module technologies.
. Develop and execute large-scale CFD models for real-world urban case studies, incorporating complex geometries such as buildings and vegetation.
. Collaborate closely with project team members and industry partners to integrate material properties, module specifications, and empirical measurements into simulation workflows.
. Translate simulation outputs into practical insights and guidelines.
. Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and internal research reporting.
. Maintain organised research workflows (version control, reproducible experiments, 3D model management, documentation).
. Support broader project goals as needed (e.g., dataset curation, method benchmarking, cross-validation of simulations with actual measurements)

Job Requirements

. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, Environmental Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or a related discipline (completed or expected within 2-3 months).
. Demonstrated expertise in using OpenFOAM for CFD modelling and simulation.
. Strong foundational knowledge of thermodynamics, airflow dynamics, and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects.
. Familiarity with 3D CAD modelling software for creating both idealised and complex real-world urban geometries.
. Strong programming/scripting skills for parametric modelling, data extraction, and simulation analysis.
. Good publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
. Strong written and oral communication skills.
. Highly organised, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
. Proficient command of spoken and written English.
. Experience modelling urban airflow, solar/PV systems, and/or urban greenery is a plus.