Research Engineer (Geotechnical Engineering)

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

Job summary

The National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Engineer in Geotechnical Engineering. The role focuses on studying active dilution of seawater using pumping systems with rainfall replenishment in sand-filled reclaimed land, using 1-g physical modeling and coupled groundwater flow/solute transport analyses. Strong lab skills and programming help are essential for modeling and simulations. The position is fixed-term and based in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or closely related field.
• Experience with physical laboratory testing and soil mechanics is preferred.
• Familiarity with numerical simulation software (COMSOL, SEAWAT, MODFLOW) or coding (Python, MATLAB) is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Open to fixed-term contract.

Responsibilities

• Construct and manage a 1-g physical model box representing Singapore's reclaimed land stratigraphy.
• Install and calibrate sensors and flow visualization tools; collect and monitor data.
• Develop analytical drawdown trajectory models and numerical groundwater flow/solute transport models.
• Perform field-scale simulations to evaluate dilution efficiency under varying soils.
• Prepare progress reports and present findings in journals and conferences.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Soil mechanics

Hydrogeology experiments

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

SEAWAT

MODFLOW

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Company description:

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore

Job description:

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) of NUS invite applications for a Research Engineer position in Geotechnical Engineering.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team as a Research Engineer. This project focuses on investigating the active dilution of seawater using pumping systems coupled with rainfall replenishment in sand-filled reclaimed land. The research will combine 1-g physical model testing with analytical and numerical modelling to design optimal dilution strategies for underground freshwater reservoirs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Physical Testing: Construct and manage a 1-g physical model box simulating Singapore's reclaimed land stratigraphy (sand and clay layers).
• Data Collection & Monitoring: Execute extraction and replenishment tests; install and calibrate salinity sensors, piezometers, and flow visualization tools (dyed freshwater injections).
• Model Development: Develop analytical drawdown trajectory models based on classic pumping well theory and coupled groundwater flow/solute transport models using software such as SEAWAT or COMSOL.
• Field Simulations: Perform field-scale numerical simulations to evaluate dilution efficiency, timescales, and key influencing factors under varying soil conditions.
• Research Output: Analyze data, prepare progress reports, and present findings in academic journals and international conferences.

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.

Job Requirements

• Possess at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Technical Skills: Experience with physical laboratory testing, soil mechanics, or hydrogeology experiments is preferred. Familiarity with numerical simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, SEAWAT, MODFLOW) or coding (Python, MATLAB) is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, self-motivation, and the ability to work collaboratively in a research group.
• Open to fixed-term contract.