Geotechnical Research Fellow - Underground Reservoirs

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore invites applications for a postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead cutting-edge investigations into ground deformation and wall stability in sand-reclaimed coastal regions. The project uses 1-g testing, centrifuge modeling, and advanced finite element simulations to study cyclic water table effects on settlement and earth pressures.

Location: Kent Ridge Campus. The successful candidate will supervise junior researchers, collaborate with industry and academia, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering.
• Experience with geotechnical centrifuge testing or physical modeling.
• Strong background in elastoplastic constitutive modeling and soil-structure interaction.
• Proven publication record in top-tier journals.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute 1-g and geotechnical centrifuge tests to capture vertical and horizontal deformation of sand-clay profiles.
• Implement laser displacement transducers, earth pressure cells, and displacement tracking systems to monitor responses.
• Develop constitutive numerical models in ABAQUS or PLAXIS 3D using advanced elastoplastic models.
• Evaluate hydraulic gradient risks (seawater seepage) and simulate long-term site-scale responses.
• Supervise junior researchers, collaborate with industry/academic partners, and publish high-impact journal papers.

Skills

Geotechnical centrifuge testing

Physical model setup

Elastoplastic constitutive modeling

Hydro-mechanical FE modeling

Education

Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS 3D

ABAQUS

Job description

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of NUS invite applications for a Research Assistant position in Geotechnical Engineering.

Singapore, as a densely populated island nation, faces significant challenges in freshwater scarcity and land limitation. Despite its abundant rainfall, there are insufficient natural reservoirs and aquifers for rainwater capture and storage due to its limited land and geological formation. The reclaimed lands, typically filled with sandy soils, are prone to seawater intrusion and erosion due to seepage, intensified by alarming sea level rise. In this context, we propose to construct seepage cut-off walls enclosing the coastal regions, which can provide dual benefits: creating extensive underground reservoirs in the reclaimed sand layer for freshwater storage and protecting reclaimed land from seawater intrusion.

We are seeking a postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead an advanced investigation into ground deformation and wall stability in sand-reclaimed coastal regions. The project evaluates the impact of cyclic water table fluctuations on ground settlement, wall movement, and earth pressure redistribution using a combination of 1-g testing, centrifuge physical modeling, and advanced finite element simulations during water pumping.

Key Responsibilities:

• Geotechnical Physical Modeling: Plan and execute 1-g and geotechnical centrifuge tests (utilizing a 40 g-ton centrifuge facility at 50g) to capture the vertical and horizontal deformation of sand-clay profiles.
• Advanced Instrumentation: Implement laser displacement transducers, earth pressure cells, and displacement tracking systems to monitor structural and soil responses under accelerated consolidation.
• Numerical & Analytical Modeling: Develop constitutive numerical models in ABAQUS or PLAXIS 3D using advanced elastoplastic models (e.g., Modified Cam-Clay). Integrate non-linear compressibility, permeability, and stress history of Singapore marine clay.
• Risk & Field Assessment: Evaluate structural serviceability, hydraulic gradient risks (seawater seepage beneath cut-off walls), and simulate site-scale multi-layer reclaimed site responses over long-term equivalent periods.
• Project Leadership: Supervise junior researchers, collaborate with industrial/academic partners, and publish high-impact peer-reviewed journal papers.

The findings will offer hydrological, geotechnical, and environmental insights into the entire implementation process and substantiate the feasibility of using seepage cut-off walls for underground reservoir establishment and coastal protection. This work will advance geomechanics and hydrogeology understanding, underground space development, coastal protection infrastructure multi-utilization, and sustainable urban planning.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Demonstrated background in geotechnical centrifuge testing, physical model setup, or advanced finite element modeling (PLAXIS 3D, ABAQUS) involving coupled hydro-mechanical processes.
• Knowledge Base: Strong expertise in soil mechanics, clay consolidation theory, elastoplastic constitutive modeling, and soil-structure interaction.
• Track Record: Proven track record of high-quality research publications in top-tier international journals.
• Skills: Excellent problem-solving capabilities, project management skills, and fluency in technical English writing and presentation.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Department : Civil And Environmental Engineering