Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering)

The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) is a research centre conducting fundamental and applied research in all aspects related to additive manufacturing. Our vision is to be the world leader in 3D Printing and a wellspring of knowledge, delivering state of the art and innovative solutions to the industry. SC3DP is at the forefront of developing advanced technologies and high-impact research in areas such biomedical, construction, aerospace, marine and offshore. It is one of the very few research centres globally with multi-sector 3D printing expertise. SC3DP’s research achievements, high-level industry collaboration, comprehensive facilities and resources have positioned it as a leading hub for 3D printing research and innovation globally.

We are seeking a Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher to join an 18-month NTU–industry project on AM-enabled optimisation of drag-reduction devices for maritime vessels. The successful candidate will design and prototype test articles, conduct wind-tunnel-based experimental fluid mechanics studies, support CFD-driven design refinement, and analyse boundary-layer and drag-reduction performance data. The role involves close collaboration with academic and industry partners and contribution to technical reporting, technology translation and implementation-ready design guidelines.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, design and execute experimental investigation of boundary-layer behaviour, near-wall flow structures and drag-reduction performance on solid models.

• Set up, operate and optimise wind tunnel experiments and associated diagnostics, including force/pressure measurements, flow visualisation and other near-wall flow measurement techniques as appropriate.

• Develop CAD models for energy-saving device (ESD) geometries, experimental fixtures and supporting apparatus.

• Coordinate and support additive manufacturing-based prototyping of ESD concepts and test articles, including dimensional and surface-quality checks.

• Conduct CFD studies using commercial solvers to screen design variants, interpret flow mechanisms and guide experimental iterations.

• Develop scripts and workflows for experiment automation, data acquisition, post-processing and quantitative analysis using Python, MATLAB and/or LabVIEW.

• Integrate experimental and numerical findings to establish performance benchmarks, identify promising design directions and produce practical design guidelines for vessel-specific optimisation.

• Prepare technical reports, presentations, technical disclosures/IP inputs and other project documentation for internal, academic and industry stakeholders.

• Work closely with the PI and industry partners to support milestone delivery, downstream validation and translational activities.

• Contribute to laboratory safety, equipment upkeep, documentation standards and mentoring of junior researchers and/or graduate students.

Requirements:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field, with postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in experimental fluid mechanics or aerodynamics.

• Strong hands-on expertise in wind tunnel testing and flow diagnostics such as PIV, high-speed imaging, schlieren and pressure measurement.

• Experience with CFD using commercial solvers, Python/MATLAB-based data analysis, experiment automation, and CAD modelling.

• Demonstrated publication track record, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple research tasks.

• Experience in wall-bounded flows, boundary layers, drag reduction, and mentoring junior researchers will be highly advantageous.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU