Research Fellow (Underground Reservoir)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The National University of Singapore's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering invites applications for a Research Fellow to lead an advanced investigation into ground deformation and wall stability in sand-reclaimed coastal regions. The project combines 1-g testing, centrifuge modelling, and finite element simulations during water pumping.

The successful candidate will supervise junior researchers, collaborate with industrial and academic partners, and publish in peer-reviewed

Qualifications

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field is required.
• Demonstrated background in geotechnical centrifuge testing, physical model setup, or advanced finite element modelling (PLAXIS 3D, ABAQUS).
• Experience with coupled hydro-mechanical processes and soil-structure interaction is essential.
• Strong publication record in top-tier journals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct 1-g and centrifuge tests to capture vertical and horizontal deformation of sand-clay profiles.
• Implement instrumentation to monitor deformation and earth pressure changes.
• Develop numerical models in ABAQUS or PLAXIS 3D with elastoplastic constitutive models.
• Assess risks including hydraulic gradients and seepage in sea-wall contexts.
• Supervise junior researchers and publish high-impact peer-reviewed papers.

Skills

Geotechnical centrifuge testing

Finite element modelling

Leadership / project management

Strong written and spokencommunication

Education

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

ABAQUS

PLAXIS 3D

Job description

We are seeking a Research Fellow for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) 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 modelling, and advanced finite element simulations during water pumping.

Key Responsibilities

• Geotechnical Physical Modelling: 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 Modelling: 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.
• Experience: Demonstrated background in geotechnical centrifuge testing, physical model setup, or advanced finite element modelling (PLAXIS 3D, ABAQUS) involving coupled hydro-mechanical processes.
• Knowledge Base: Strong expertise in soil mechanics, clay consolidation theory, elastoplastic constitutive modelling, and soil-structure interaction.
• Track Record: Proven track record of high-quality research publications in top-tier international journals.
• Skills: Excellent problem-solving capabilities, project management skills.
• Strong written and spoken communication.
• Open to fixed-term contract.