Research Associate (Mechanical/Electrical/Power Engineering)

About the role

The Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), established in 2010, is a pan-university research institute focused on systems-level research for tropical megacities, covering the energy value chain from generation to end-use solutions. ERI@N runs interdisciplinary research programmes and living labs and testbeds. The institute is looking for a Research Associate to carry out numerical modelling and develop optimal control strategies for energy systems, including building energy systems, energy storage systems and fire systems.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive data collection from experimental and numerical sources, gathering test and simulation data available globally.
• Organise the collected data to support model and control algorithm development and validation, ensuring accuracy and robustness.
• Identify credible data sources, standardise data formats and integrate diverse datasets to improve the reliability of simulations and predictions.
• Use advanced methods such as AI and machine learning to speed up numerical simulation processes.
• Develop optimal control strategies for energy systems.
• Publish high-quality journal and conference papers and apply for patents.
• Periodically update the principal investigator and team members on research progress.

Required profile

• Master's degree (equivalent) in mechanical, electrical or power engineering or a related field.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in numerical simulations and control.
• Familiarity with experimental methods in energy systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Familiarity with thermal management methods such as heat exchangers, heat sinks and phase-change materials.
• Good written and oral communication skills, and ability to work independently under strict deadlines.

Required skills

• Numerical simulation and control.
• Building energy system modelling tools such as MATLAB, Modelica, TRNSYS, FDS and OpenFOAM.
• Numeric and analytical skills.