Research Fellow (Hybrid AI + Physics-Based Urban Building Energy Modeling)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution in Singapore is seeking a researcher to develop urban building energy models and analyze carbon emissions. The role requires a PhD in relevant fields and strong programming skills, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will publish findings and contribute to policy briefs, making a significant impact in urban sustainability and energy policy.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field.
• Experience in carbon modelling or energy modelling is essential.
• Strong programming skills for automation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop urban building energy models using simulations.
• Estimate operational and embodied carbon emissions.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Strong programming skills

Experience with lifecycle analysis

Knowledge of urban sustainability

Education

PhD in Architecture, Building Science, Mechanical Engineering or related fields

Tools

GIS tools

Python

Job description

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal.

Your application will be processed only if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

Model Development:

• Develop and calibrate urban building energy models using physics-based simulation tools
• Integrate AI and machine learning methods (e.g., surrogate modelling, generative design) to enhance simulation efficiency and scalability.

Carbon Emissions Analysis:

• Estimate both operational and embodied carbon emissions at building and district scales.
• Incorporate various datasets

Data Management & Integration:

• Compile, clean, and manage multi-source datasets (geospatial, climate, building archetypes, construction materials, energy use).
• Develop reproducible workflows for integrating physics-based and AI-driven approaches.

Research & Dissemination:

• Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to policy briefs, technical reports, and outreach materials for industry and government stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination:

• Coordinate with project partners, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, including organising and participating in meetings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Job Requirements

Essential:

• PhD in Architecture, Building Science, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental, Urban Planning, Data Science, or related fields.
• Some experience in lifecycle analysis or carbon modelling, physics-based building energy modelling and/or urban building energy modelling (UBEM).
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python) for simulation automation, data analysis, and AI/ML workflows.
• Experience with life-cycle carbon assessment methods and tools.
• Demonstrated track record of research excellence through publications and conference presentations.
• Familiarity with GIS tools and spatial data processing.
• Knowledge of urban sustainability, energy policy, and decarbonisation strategies.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and engage with external stakeholders.