Research Associate (Computational Fluid Dynamics)

Nanyang Technological University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 78,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) in Singapore invites applications for a Hydrodynamics Specialist / Research Associate. You will lead CFD analyses and experiments addressing tidal flow, offshore structures, and renewable energy platforms, delivering insights for industrial-scale deployment.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s in mechanical/ocean/civil engineering with 2–5 years CFD experience, proficient in ANSYS, OpenFOAM, MATLAB/Python, and CAD tools, and capable of working across

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical/ocean/engineering with hydrodynamics focus.
• 2–5 years in CFD/hydrodynamics research or industry.
• Experience with CFD tools and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct CFD analyses for tidal flow, wind dynamics, and offshore hydrodynamics.
• Develop and validate numerical and experimental models for marine applications.
• Design lab experiments including wave tank testing and sensor setups.
• Plan field experiments with in-situ tidal and wind measurements.
• Analyze CFD and experimental data to optimize system performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across engineering domains.
• Prepare reports, publications, and project proposals.
• Support after-hours work when needed.

Skills

CFD analysis

OpenFOAM

ANSYS Fluent/CFX

MATLAB/Python

Lab experiments

Data interpretation

CAD SolidWorks

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

OpenFOAM

ANSYS Fluent/CFX

STAR-CCM+

SolidWorks

Job description

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 A research‑intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 33,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Engineering, Business, Science, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, and Graduate colleges. It also has a medical school, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, established jointly with Imperial College London. NTU is also home to world‑class autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Earth Observatory of Singapore, and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI) and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N). Ranked amongst the world’s top universities by QS, NTU has also been named the world’s top young university for the past seven years. The University’s main campus is frequently listed among the Top 15 most beautiful university campuses in the world and has 57 Green Mark‑certified (equivalent to LEED‑certified) buildings, of which 95% are certified Green Mark Platinum. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district. Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech‑enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources. For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg About NIE About RSIS About LKCMedicine About NTUItive