Research Fellow – Hydrogen Systems Integration & Thermal Design

About the role

The Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University (ERI@N) is seeking a Research Fellow to lead the development of advanced modelling and design methods for integrated hydrogen‑energy systems. The focus will be on thermal integration of metal‑hydride storage, using waste heat to drive hydrogen desorption, and supporting low‑carbon cooling solutions for Singapore’s data‑centre sector.

Key responsibilities

• Develop CFD models for heat transfer and fluid flow within metal‑hydride storage units, including internal heat‑exchanger design.
• Design and optimise heat‑integration schemes that utilise waste heat from high‑temperature processes for hydrogen desorption.
• Create process flow diagrams and system‑level models for integrated hydrogen‑energy architectures.
• Perform multi‑physics simulations (thermal, fluid, mass transfer) and support system architecture definition, thermal loop design, and control strategies.
• Conduct techno‑economic and performance analyses of the integrated systems.
• Collaborate with international industrial and academic partners on R&D projects, and contribute to experimental validation, technical reporting, and scientific publications.

Required profile

• PhD in Mechanical, Energy, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in CFD and thermal system design, preferably with high‑temperature applications.
• Experience with hydrogen storage technologies, metal hydrides, or gas‑solid thermal processes is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in process modelling tools such as Aspen, Modelica, MATLAB or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to perform techno‑economic analysis and system optimisation.

Required skills

• CFD software (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM)
• Process simulation platforms (Aspen, Modelica, MATLAB, Python)
• Thermal loop and heat‑exchanger design
• Multi‑physics modelling (thermal, fluid, mass transfer)
• Techno‑economic analysis