Research Associate (Chemical Engineering/Materials Science/Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering) Full-time

Research Associate Position

Established in 2010, the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) is a pan-university research institute that focuses on systems-level research for tropical megacities. It performs translational research that covers the energy value chain from generation to innovative end-use solutions, motivated by industrialisation and deployment. ERI@N has multiple Interdisciplinary Research Programmes which focus on translational Research, Development & Deployment which focus on specific area of the energy value chain, and a number of Living labs and Testbeds which facilitate large scale technology deployment enabling validation and demonstration of real-world applications.

ERI@N is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Associate to join our Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies programme, contributing to a flagship research project on next-generation Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) stack design and prototyping. The Research Associate will provide critical experimental, fabrication, and testing support for the development of advanced VRFB components — focusing on bipolar plates and flow field architectures — with the aim of significantly improving power density, durability, and cost-effectiveness of flow battery systems for grid-scale energy storage. This role is ideal for a candidate with strong hands-on laboratory skills and an interest in electrochemical energy technologies. The successful candidate will work closely with senior researchers and industry partners to translate research findings into prototype components, contributing to the advancement of flow battery systems for grid-scale energy storage and Singapore's energy transition.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the experimental development and testing of VRFB stack components, including bipolar plates and flow field structures.
• Prepare and process material samples for bipolar plate evaluation, including graphite-based composites and metallic substrates with protective coatings (e.g., CrN, TiN via physical vapour deposition).
• Conduct electrochemical testing and materials characterisation, including potentiodynamic polarisation, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and corrosion testing in vanadium-containing electrolytes (1–2 M H₂SO₄).
• Perform mechanical testing (tensile strength, elongation) and thermal cycling experiments to evaluate material durability and structural integrity under VRFB operating conditions.
• Assist in the fabrication and assembly of single-cell and multi-cell VRFB test fixtures for laboratory-scale performance evaluation.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment including potentiostats, impedance analysers, flow test rigs, and environmental testing chambers.
• Collect, organise, and analyse experimental data, and prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for project milestones and deliverables.
• Coordinate with industry partners on the procurement of materials and equipment, and support prototyping and scaling activities.
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to intellectual property development.
• Prepare progress reports, milestone deliverables, and contribute to future research proposals and grant applications

Job Requirements:

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in electrochemistry, materials characterisation, or related experimental fields.
• Familiarity with electrochemical testing techniques such as potentiodynamic polarisation, EIS, and corrosion testing is highly desirable.
• Experience or coursework in CFD simulation tools (COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS Fluent) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of fuel cell or flow battery systems, bipolar plate materials, and/or membrane technologies is preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis and documentation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Microsoft Office).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Candidates with relevant industry or research experience in energy storage systems are encouraged to apply

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

Hiring Institution: NTU