Research Fellow (combustion modelling)

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

Job summary

The National University of Singapore's Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct research in combustion modelling and simulation of low-carbon energy systems at Kent Ridge Campus.

The successful candidate will perform CFD simulations, develop combustion models, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners, using OpenFOAM, Cantera, and related tools; publishing results and contributing to proposals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on combustion, fluid dynamics, or safety modelling.
• Strong background in hydrogen combustion, numerical simulations (CFD), and safety analysis.
• Proficiency in modelling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, PeleC, or equivalents.
• Demonstrated publication record in high‑impact journals.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and perform CFD simulations of reacting and turbulent flows in combustion systems.
• Develop and implement combustion models, including chemical kinetics, turbulence‑chemistry interaction and pollutant formation models.
• Use and further develop tools such as OpenFOAM, Cantera, or other CFD platforms.
• Analyze simulation results and develop physical understanding of combustion phenomena.
• Contribute to technical reports, research publications, conference presentations and project deliverables.
• Contribute to research proposals and development of new research directions.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners on combustion and energy‑related projects.

Skills

CFD simulations

OpenFOAM

Cantera

Hydrogen combustion

Safety analysis

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Chemical Eng

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

OpenFOAM

PeleC

Job description

Job Title: Research Fellow (combustion modelling)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Mechanical Engineering

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus

Posting Start Date: 26/08/2026

Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct research in combustion modelling and simulation of low‑carbon energy systems.

The successful candidate will work on computational modelling of advanced combustion systems involving ammonia, hydrogen, partially cracked ammonia, sustainable fuels and other low‑carbon fuels.

The position provides an opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary research environment involving combustion, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), chemical kinetics, energy conversion and decarbonisation technologies, with potential collaborations with leading academic or industrial partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and perform CFD simulations of reacting and turbulent flows in combustion systems.
• Develop and implement combustion models, including chemical kinetics, turbulence‑chemistry interaction and pollutant formation models.
• Use and further develop computational tools such as OpenFOAM, Cantera, or other relevant CFD platforms.
• Perform analysis of simulation results and develop physical understanding of combustion phenomena.
• Contribute to technical reports, research publications, conference presentations and project deliverables.
• Contribute to research proposals and the development of new research directions where appropriate.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners on combustion and energy‑related projects.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact Prof Huangwei Zhang ([e-mail]).

Qualifications

Qualifications and Requirements:

1, PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on combustion, fluid dynamics, or safety modelling.

2, Strong background in hydrogen combustion, numerical simulations (e.g., CFD), and safety analysis.

3, Proficiency in relevant modelling tools and software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, PeleC, or equivalent).

4, Demonstrated strong track record of publications in high‑impact journals.

5, Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Req ID: 34231