Research Fellow (Mechanics of Composites)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore invites applications for a Research Fellow in Mechanics of Composites at the College of Design and Engineering. The role focuses on modeling for Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis (PIP) in woven matrix composites, with emphasis on numerical simulations and validation against experiments.

You will perform FEA of the PIP process, explore multi-physics issues, collaborate with researchers and industry partners, and contribute to publications, reports, and

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with commercial or open-source FEA software for nonlinear and fracture modelling.
• Experience in multi-physics modelling including diffusion, thermal and mechanical stress analysis.
• Background in phase-field modelling is strongly preferred.
• Experience in multiscale modelling, especially concurrent multiscale approaches for damage modelling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct finite element analysis of the PIP process and stress analysis of composites.
• Develop robust numerical models to capture infiltration and mechanical behavior.
• Validate models against experimental measurements and observations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team and contribute to reports and publications.
• Plan and execute simulations within project timelines; occasional travel to collaborators' offices.

Skills

FEA software

Multi-physics modelling

Phase-field modelling

Multiscale modelling

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

Research Fellow (Mechanics of Composites)

University-Level Unit: College of Design and Engineering

Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Mechanical Engineering

Employee Category: Research Staff

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Posted On: 09/09/2026

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join our project onModeling for Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis (PIP) in Woven Matrix Composites. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research in composite materials manufacturing simulation and microstructural mechanics, with direct applications in advanced engineering systems.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting finite element analysis of the PIP process and stress analysis of the composite, focusing on the development of robust numerical models that capture the infiltration process and mechanical behavior of the resultant composite. He will need to work with collaborators to understand the actual manufacturing process and implement numerical techniques to model the process. Model validation in terms of process and mechanical properties is required to ensure that the simulations align with physical measurements and observations. This will include planning and executing simulations, analyzing results, and correlating them with experiments.

Beyond technical execution, the role involves failure analysis of advance materials, identifying mechanisms such as void formation, fiber breakage, and matrix cracking, and integrating these insights into predictive models. He will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and researchers, contributing to publications, reports, and presentations that disseminate findings to both academic and industrial audiences.

Project management is important as the project has strict timelines for deliverables. Candidates can expect to work at an NUS laboratory on most days but will be required to travel occasionally to our collaborators’ office from time to time.

This position provides for professional growth, offering opportunities to refine expertise in advanced simulation techniques, composite testing methodologies, and structural validation processes. The research fellow will play a pivotal role in bridging computational modeling with experimental mechanics, ensuring that the developed models are both scientifically rigorous and practically applicable.

Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, creativity in problem-solving, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment. This role is for individuals passionate about advancing composite technology.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Advanced finite element analysis: Candidates must have hands‑on experience with commercial or open‑source FEA software (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL), with the ability to develop complex models involving nonlinear material behavior and fracture prediction. Knowledge of composite‑specific modeling techniques is essential.
• Multi‑physics modelling: Experience in multi‑physics modelling is necessary including diffusion, thermal stress and mechanical stress analysis. Only candidates with demonstrated capabilities in multi‑physics modelling will be considered.
• Phase‑field modelling: A background in phase‑field modelling is strongly preferred due to complex interface evolution.
• Multiscale modelling: Preference will be given to candidates with practical experience in multiscale modelling, particularly, concurrent multiscale modelling applied to damage modelling and analyses.

In addition to these core requirements, candidates should possess reasonable communication skills, both written and verbal, to document and present research outcomes. The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and capable of working in a multidisciplinary environment that bridges computational modeling and experimental mechanics.