School of Engineering - Research Staff (Cold Storage & Cryogenic Systems)

RPO Republic Polytechnic; Singapore; On-site; SGD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Republic Polytechnic's School of Engineering seeks a full‑time Research Staff to engineer a 1 m^3 passive cold storage platform for biopharma distribution, using LN2 based cryogenics and high‑density PCM. The role covers prototype development, lab validation, system integration, and technology transfer.

You will collaborate with partners to validate technology, prepare reports, and supervise final-year students. Strong CAD, electronics, and thermal-fluid background are required.

Qualifications

• Foundational thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, or cold-chain storage tech understanding.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling and DFM principles.
• Practical skills in embedded electronics and IoT sensor integration.

Responsibilities

• Perform 3D CAD modelling and design for thermal management.
• Design cryogenic pipelines and safety systems.
• Build and test IoT sensor arrays with cloud dashboards.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and data analysis on cold storage performance.
• Develop prototype systems and coordinate with industry partners.
• Supervise students and assist IP development and transfer.

Skills

Hands-on prototyping

Technical writing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

3D CAD Fusion 360

SolidWorks

Arduino/ESP32

Job description

What the role is

Are you ready to build next-generation, sustainable cold chain logistics for life‑saving biopharmaceuticals? Republic Polytechnic's School of Engineering (SEG), in strategic partnership with industry leader SSW Group, is seeking an ambitious full‑time Research Staff (12‑month contract) to engineer an industrial‑scale 1"m" ^3 self‑sustained passive cold storage platform under a DGF‑funded initiative. Current biopharmaceutical distribution relies on massive active energy inputs and heavy daily coolant consumption. This project completely disrupts that model by building a zero‑power‑in‑transit, high‑performance thermal container (1"m"×1"m"×1"m") capable of locking in sub‑zero temperatures (2–8°C) for over 72 continuous hours in harsh tropical environments. Beyond standard transport, this passive design provides critical fail‑safe protection against warehouse power outages and opens up new pathways for long‑haul air and sea freight to distant international markets without relying on active electrical refrigeration networks.

• Active‑Passive "Flash‑Charging" Cryogenic System: A rapid‑charging base station interface utilizing specialized heat exchangers and Liquid Nitrogen (LN_2) bursts to charge high‑density Phase Change Material (PCM) cores and Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP).
• Triple‑Vector IoT Telemetry Engine: An ultra‑low‑power, cloud‑connected sensor matrix tracking real‑time Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Oxygen (O_2) levels to ensure absolute data transparency and regulatory compliance (HSA/FDA standards).

The successful candidate will contribute to prototype development, laboratory research, system integration, cold box temperature analysis, field validation at mimic cold storage environment, and technology commercialisation.

What you will be working on

• Perform 3D CAD modelling, understand basic fluid dynamics, and heat exchanger design to eliminate thermal dead zones and maximize LN_2 thermodynamic efficiency across a 1"m" ^3 volume.
• Design, route, and balance high‑pressure LN_2 cryogenic pipelines, vacuum‑jacketed tubings, manifolds, and automated valve safety systems.
• Build IOT, test, and integrate low‑power microcontrollers and sensor arrays (Temp,RH,O_2) with live, cloud‑based telemetry dashboards.
• Perform laboratory experiments, cold storage environment trials, temperature and humidity monitoring, passive cold storage box testing, and data analysis.
• Develop, integrate, and evaluate prototype systems, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with industry partners to support technology validation and deployment.
• Supervise final‑year project students and interns involved in the project.
• Support intellectual property (IP) development, technology transfer, and commercialisation activities.
• Prepare technical reports, journal publications, presentations, and research grant proposals.
• Manage laboratory equipment & consumables, procurement, safety compliance, and research products.

What we are looking for

• Qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluid Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Systems Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Have basic foundational understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, or cold‑chain storage technologies.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling (Autodesk Fusion 360 or SolidWorks) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Practical skills in embedded electronics, microcontroller programming (Arduino / ESP32), and IoT sensor integration.
• Experience or have interest in cryogenic fluids (LN_2), heat exchangers, or fluid pipeline design is a major advantage.
• A hands‑on, proactive mindset with the drive to build physical prototypes and lead projects independently in a dynamic lab environment.
• Strong technical writing and data presentation skills.
• Entry‑level candidates with strong final‑year project experience in thermal fluids, mechatronics, or smart hardware are highly encouraged to apply.