Research Fellow – VRFB Stack Design & Prototyping

About the role

The Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) is seeking a motivated Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow to advance its Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies programme. The role focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of next‑generation Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) stack components, aiming to boost power density, durability, and cost‑effectiveness for grid‑scale energy storage.

Key responsibilities

• Lead R&D of VRFB stack components, including bipolar plate material selection and flow‑field architecture.
• Conduct material screening and characterisation of graphite‑based composites and coated metallic substrates for corrosion resistance, conductivity, and mechanical strength.
• Design and optimise novel flow‑field patterns using bio‑inspired and hybrid approaches.
• Perform CFD simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics or ANSYS Fluent to assess fluid dynamics, pressure drop, mass transfer, and thermal management.
• Develop integrated multi‑physics models that couple fluid flow, thermal behaviour, and mechanical stress.
• Collaborate with senior researchers and industry partners to translate findings into prototype components.

Required profile

• PhD or equivalent experience in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands‑on laboratory skills in electrochemical cell fabrication and testing.
• Experience with CFD tools and multi‑physics modelling.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Required skills

• COMSOL Multiphysics
• ANSYS Fluent
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge energy storage research.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities.
• Collaboration with leading academic and industry experts.