Research Fellow

ABOUT THE PROJECT Shaping the Breeze is a Cities of Tomorrow R&D project developing Singapore’s first validated, performance-based natural ventilation (NV) design framework. The project combines IoT field measurement, CFD simulation, machine learning, and occupant behaviour research to produce design guidelines and a decision-support tool aligned with BCA Green Mark. Industry partners include BSD Pte Ltd, Frasers Property Singapore, and GreenZero Solutions. ROLE OVERVIEW This is a senior research position with dual responsibility: providing technical leadership across CFD and machine learning workstreams, and leading day-to-day coordination of a two-person RA team. The Research Fellow is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, take ownership of research quality, and serve as the primary point of continuity between the PI team and project execution. RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Leadership Provide overall methodological guidance for CFD simulation workflows across residential, commercial, and educational building typologies, including turbulence model selection, mesh independence testing, boundary condition setup, and post-processing Lead the development and validation of surrogate and machine learning models trained on CFD outputs, ensuring predictions meet project accuracy targets (within ±15% of full CFD) Oversee integration of field measurement data with simulation models for calibration and cross-validation Ensure methodological consistency and rigour across all simulation cases, sensitivity analyses, and parametric runs Guide the translation of modelling outputs into performance-based NV design guidelines and the decision-support tool Team Leadership Directly supervise and coordinate two Research Assistants (RA1: simulation and modelling; RA2: field measurement and stakeholder engagement), providing day-to-day technical guidance and task prioritisation Conduct regular check-ins with RAs to track progress, resolve technical blockers, and maintain momentum across workstreams Review and quality-assure RA outputs — including simulation files, field datasets, and draft reports — before submission to the PI team PI Engagement & Project Delivery Maintain consistent and structured communication with the Lead PI and Co-PIs on project status, emerging findings, risks, and timeline adherence Flag deviations from the project plan early and propose corrective actions Take ownership of milestone tracking and preparation of progress reports, technical deliverables, and journal manuscripts Represent the research team in stakeholder meetings with BCA, REDAS, and industry partners where required REQUIREMENTS PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, Environmental Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, or a closely related discipline Demonstrated experience with CFD simulation (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or equivalent), including turbulence modelling and parametric study design Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, machine learning model development, and surrogate modelling Track record of peer-reviewed publication in building performance, environmental engineering, or a related field Prior experience supervising or mentoring junior researchers or students Strong organisational and communication skills, with ability to coordinate across technical and non-technical stakeholders Experience in tropical building performance, natural ventilation, or field measurement is a strong advantage HOW TO APPLY Send your CV, a brief statement of interest (max 1 page), and one representative publication to kai_zheng@sutd.edu.sg with the subject line “Research Fellow Application – [Your Name]”. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.