Research Fellow (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 Fellow in Geotechnical Engineering within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The role focuses on advanced investigations of ground deformation and wall stability in sand-reclaimed coastal regions, employing 1-g testing, centrifuge modeling, and finite element simulations.

The successful candidate will lead tests, instrumentation, and constitutive modeling in ABAQUS/PLAXIS 3D, assess hydraulic gradient

Qualifications

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with geotechnical centrifuge testing, physical model setup, or advanced finite element modeling (PLAXIS 3D, ABAQUS).
• Strong background in soil mechanics, clay consolidation theory, elastoplastic constitutive modeling, and soil-structure interaction.
• Proven publication record in top-tier journals.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute 1-g and centrifuge tests to capture deformation of sand-clay profiles.
• Implement instrumentation to monitor soil and structural responses under consolidation.
• Develop constitutive numerical models in ABAQUS or PLAXIS 3D using elastoplastic frameworks.
• Evaluate seepage risks and wall stability for coastal reclaimed regions.
• Supervise junior researchers and collaborate with partners; publish results.

Skills

Geotechnical centrifuge testing

Finite element modeling

Geotechnical engineering

Soil mechanics

Education

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

ABAQUS

PLAXIS 3D

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) invite applications for a Research Fellow 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 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: He/ She is required to work on:

• 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.

Job Requirements

• Possess a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Has demonstrated background in geotechnical centrifuge testing, physical model setup, or advanced finite element modeling (PLAXIS 3D, ABAQUS) involving coupled hydro-mechanical processes.
• Strong expertise in soil mechanics, clay consolidation theory, elastoplastic constitutive modeling, and soil-structure interaction.
• Proven track record of high-quality research publications in top-tier international journals.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities and project management skills
• Has fluency in technical writing and presentation.
• Strong written and spoken communications.