Research Fellow (Hydrogen Systems Integration & Thermal Design)

The Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) conducts applied research in advanced energy systems and sustainable infrastructure. This position supports an ERI@N-led project on integrating non-conventional geothermal energy into data centre cooling in Singapore.

We are seeking a Research Fellow to lead the development of advanced modelling and design methodologies for integrated hydrogen-energy systems, with a focus on thermal integration of metal hydride storage systems.

The Research Fellow will develop CFD models, process simulations, and system-level integration strategies to enable efficient hydrogen desorption driven by waste heat. The role includes the design and optimisation of thermal management systems, supporting the development of scalable and deployable hydrogen solutions.

The research will directly contribute to the development of applied energy technologies with strong industrial relevance and near-term deployment potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop CFD models for thermal management and heat transfer within metal hydride storage systems, including internal heat exchanger design and thermal enhancement strategies.

• Design and optimise heat integration solutions for hydrogen desorption using waste heat from high-temperature systems.

• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and system-level models for integrated hydrogen-energy systems.

• Perform multi-physics modelling (thermal, fluid, and mass transfer) of hydrogen storage and release processes.

• Support system architecture definition, thermal loop design, and control strategies for integrated systems.

• Conduct techno-economic and performance analysis of integrated hydrogen systems.

• Contribute to system integration, commissioning, and experimental validation activities.

• Collaborate with international industrial and academic partners in applied R&D projects.

• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and funding proposals.

• Support project management activities, including coordination, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

• To develop and assess geothermal-driven cooling architectures through modelling, optimisation, and techno-economic analysis, supporting low-carbon cooling solutions for Singapore's data centre sector.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

• Strong expertise in CFD (ANSYS Fluent / OpenFOAM or equivalent) for heat transfer and fluid flow.

• Experience in thermal system design and heat integration, preferably involving high-temperature systems.

• Experience with hydrogen systems, metal hydrides, or gas-solid thermal processes is highly desirable.

• Experience in process modelling and simulation (e.g., Aspen, Modelica, MATLAB, Python).

• Strong understanding of heat exchangers, thermal loops, and multi-physics systems.

• Experience in techno-economic analysis and system optimisation.

• Familiarity with system integration and experimental validation is an advantage.

Additional Skills

• Ability to work in applied, industry-driven R&D environments.

• Experience in proposal writing and project management is highly desirable.

• Strong communication skills in English proficiency in Mandarin is a must have.

• Willingness to travel and work in international environments.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.