Research Associate (Protective Engineering)

Nanyang Technological University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NTU Singapore's Protective Technology Research Centre seeks a Research Associate to advance numerical modelling of blast-induced progressive collapse in multi-storey RC structures. You will develop and benchmark models, verify against experimental and field data, and work within an integrated FEMFAN3D–DEM framework for advanced simulation.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, strong modelling skills, CAD and structural analysis software proficiency, and the

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of progressive collapse and numerical modelling.
• Familiarity with progressive collapse standards.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software and CAD.
• Analytical, problem-solving and independent-working abilities.
• Ability to work under strict timelines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on blast-induced progressive collapse and modelling methods.
• Evaluate software for simulating progressive collapse of RC structures.
• Develop numerical models for underground blast-induced damage and progressive collapse.
• Perform simulations for project case studies and assess collapse mechanisms.
• Verify and validate models against experimental and benchmark data.
• Conduct sensitivity studies on foundation/substructure damage and material properties.
• Perform structural vulnerability assessments to identify critical weaknesses.
• Contribute to integrating FEMFAN3D–DEM framework for advanced simulation.
• Prepare reports and publications, collaborate with investigators and stakeholders.

Skills

Literature reviews

Numerical modelling

CAD

Structural analysis software

Analytical problem-solving

Communication skills

Independent work

Time management

Education

Master’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or related field

Tools

FEMFAN3D–DEM framework

Job description

Protective Technology Research Centre (PTRC), in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) is a research centre focused on experimental work in relation to protective engineering structures. The key objective is to support efforts to study existing civil engineering structures or provide engineering solutions to applications in the context of protective engineering, covering the areas of materials, fire engineering, and extreme loading applications such as blast and impact. We are looking for a Research Associate to support research work in relation to blast and progressive collapse. The Research Associate will support research on numerical simulation of underground blast-induced structural collapse, with a focus on evaluating and applying suitable numerical modelling tools to investigate the progressive collapse behaviour of multi-storey reinforced concrete structures subjected to damage or failure of foundations and substructures. The role will also support model validation, parametric studies, and structural vulnerability assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on blast-induced progressive collapse, structural collapse mechanisms, and relevant numerical modelling methodologies.
• Evaluate, benchmark, and select suitable commercial numerical modelling software for simulating progressive collapse of multi-storey reinforced concrete structures.
• Develop numerical models to simulate underground blast-induced damage to foundations and substructures and the resulting progressive collapse of aboveground structures.
• Conduct numerical simulations for the building case studies and structural scenarios specified by the project, and assess different potential collapse and failure mechanisms.
• Verify and validate the developed numerical models against available experimental data, field data, published benchmark studies, and relevant test cases.
• Conduct sensitivity and parametric studies to investigate the effects of different foundation/substructure damage modes, material properties, foundation designs, and blast-related parameters on structural collapse behaviour.
• Perform structural vulnerability assessments to identify critical structural components, failure modes, and weaknesses affecting the overall stability and robustness of buildings.
• Contribute to the development of an integrated FEMFAN3D–Discrete Element Method (DEM) computational framework/software for advanced simulation of progressive structural collapse.
• Prepare technical reports, research publications, presentations, and other project deliverables, and work closely with project investigators, research collaborators, and relevant stakeholders.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or related field
• Knowledge of progressive collapse and numerical modelling
• Familiarity with progressive collapse standards
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in structural analysis software and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Competent in analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and develop solutions under strict timelines
• Good time management skills

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% is 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.

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