Research Associate (Computational Fluid Dynamics)

Established in 2010, the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) distinguishes itself through research excellence directed towards outcomes of industry relevance, with focus on systems-level research for tropical megacities. The Institute integrates research across NTU in the context of the energy challenge and then helps translate outcomes into industry and practice.

The Institute’s research focuses on a host of Interdisciplinary Research Programmes, Flagship Programmes, Consortium Platform and an Accelerator Programme that covers the energy value chain from generation to innovative end-use solutions, motivated by industrialization and deployment.

ERI@N is committed to enable knowledge creation and technology transfer by building strong alliances with government agencies, leading industry players and SMEs and global universities to support Singapore’s national objectives. These collaborations are ratified in part through the development of green buildings, renewable energy deployment, grid management systems, proliferation of energy efficient solutions, creation of a “car-lite” society, digitalization of the energy system enabling a ubiquitous smart grid architecture and establishing low carbon districts.

As a leading Institute that is equipped with a wide range of skillsets and expertise in Science, Engineering, Technology, Policy and Social Science that contributes to a vibrant, multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment, ERI@N strives to achieve our mission for distinction and contribute to National aspirations for a Smart and Sustainable Nation.

For more details, please view https://www.ntu.edu.sg/erian

This candidate will serve as a Hydrodynamics Specialist / Research Associate (Hydrodynamics), providing technical expertise and research support in the analysis, design, and optimization of fluid flow systems relevant to marine, offshore, and renewable energy applications. The role will primarily focus on advancing both fundamental and applied hydrodynamics research to enable innovation in offshore structures, floating systems, coastal processes, and integrated hybrid renewable energy platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct advanced research and analysis in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for tidal flow, wind dynamics, hydrodynamics, fluid–structure interaction, and offshore environmental systems.

Develop, validate, and apply numerical and experimental models for tidal energy, wind flow behavior, marine structures, and coastal engineering applications.

Design and conduct controlled laboratory experiments, including wave tank testing, aerodynamic and hydrodynamic flow studies, flow visualization, and sensor-based measurements.

Plan and execute field experiments involving in-situ tidal and wind measurements, environmental monitoring, and data collection using advanced sensing and instrumentation systems.

Perform simulation and performance analysis under varying environmental and operational conditions, including turbulence, extreme waves, wake effects, biofouling, and climate-induced marine conditions.

Analyze CFD results and experimental data to support system optimization, performance enhancement, and engineering design improvements for marine and renewable energy systems.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, marine, environmental, and energy engineering domains to support integrated research and technology development activities.

Prepare technical documentation, simulation reports, research publications, project proposals, patents, and presentations to support institutional and industry-driven research objectives.

After hours working should also be possible.

Job Requirements:

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Ocean Engineering, Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a closely related discipline specializing in hydrodynamics, fluid mechanics, CFD, or offshore engineering.

Minimum 2–5 years of relevant research or industry experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), hydrodynamics, fluid flow analysis, offshore/marine engineering, or related experimental and numerical investigations.

Strong understanding of marine hydrodynamics, wave–current interactions, aerodynamic and hydrodynamic principles, offshore environmental conditions, and numerical modelling methodologies.

Proficiency in CFD and engineering simulation tools such as ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS CFX, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent software platforms.

Practical programming and data analysis skills using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing environments.

Experience in laboratory-based experimental studies, including wave tank testing, flow visualization, instrumentation setup, sensor integration, systematic data acquisition, and technical documentation under research project requirements.

Exposure to field-based testing and environmental monitoring activities, including deployment of sensing systems, in-situ measurements, and collection of hydrodynamic or wind-related operational data.

Capability in prototype and experimental system development using CAD software such as SolidWorks or equivalent platforms, including coordination with vendors and suppliers for fabrication, assembly, and refinement of engineering components and test setups.

Good technical writing and presentation skills with the ability to prepare research reports, technical documentation, journal publications, project deliverables, and presentation materials.

Competency in data interpretation, post-processing, visualization of CFD and experimental results, and engineering problem-solving related to fluid dynamics and renewable energy systems.

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams while managing multiple project activities and timelines effectively.

Demonstrated attention to detail, analytical thinking, and adaptability in conducting computational simulations, laboratory experiments, and offshore or field-related activities.

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

Hiring Institution: NTU