The Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) is a university-level research institute dedicated to advancing innovative energy solutions for sustainable cities, industrial decarbonisation, and resilient energy infrastructure. ERI@N bridges fundamental research and real-world deployment through close collaboration with industry and government agencies.

This position supports a research project focused on the integration of non-conventional geothermal energy (EGS/AGS) into data centre cooling systems in Singapore, including geothermal-assisted cooling architectures, absorption chilling, heat pumps, thermal energy storage, and system-level techno-economic and environmental assessment.

We are seeking a Research Fellow to support an ERI@N-led research project evaluating the feasibility of integrating Enhanced and Advanced Geothermal Systems (EGS/AGS) into data centre cooling infrastructures in Singapore. The role focuses on system modelling, integration, optimisation, and techno-economic and environmental assessment to inform pilot-scale deployment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review geothermal resource data and data centre cooling demand profiles relevant to Singapore.

• Develop and validate geothermal system models (EGS/AGS) and associated heat extraction performance.

• Model and assess geothermal-driven cooling configurations, including absorption chillers and geothermal-assisted heat pumps.

• Integrate thermal energy storage and low-water heat rejection strategies suitable for tropical, urban environments.

• Perform techno-economic, environmental (CO₂, water), and sensitivity analyses.

• Support system optimisation and development of decision frameworks for pilot-readiness.

• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research outputs for ERI@N stakeholders and industry partners.

Job Requirements:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Technical Competencies

• Proven experience in energy system modelling and simulation, with focus on thermal systems and/or geothermal energy systems.

• Strong background in cooling technologies, including absorption chillers, heat pumps, and thermal energy storage.

• Experience in techno-economic analysis of energy systems, including CAPEX/OPEX estimation, levelised cost metrics, and sensitivity analysis.

• Ability to integrate multiple subsystems into system-level performance and optimisation frameworks.

• Proficiency in at least one scientific computing environment (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Modelica); experience with geothermal or reservoir modelling tools is an advantage.

Research & Delivery Skills

• Ability to independently plan and execute applied research tasks under defined timelines.

• Strong capability in technical reporting, including preparation of feasibility studies, decision-support analyses, and stakeholder-facing deliverables.

• Experience working on industry- or application-driven research projects is preferred.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills suitable for interaction with industry and institutional stakeholders.

Hiring Institution: NTU