Research Fellow (Department of the Built Environment)

Job Description

• Conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to study Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects associated with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• Review the literature on urban microclimate modelling, UHI mitigation strategies, and building physics.
• Perform parametric studies under different scenarios and evaluate the thermal impact of UHI mitigation strategies, including greenery, cool paint, radiative cooling films, and different PV module technologies.
• Develop and execute large-scale CFD models for real-world urban case studies, incorporating complex geometries such as buildings and vegetation.
• Collaborate closely with project team members and industry partners to integrate material properties, module specifications, and empirical measurements into simulation workflows.
• Translate simulation outputs into practical insights and guidelines.
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and internal research reporting.
• Maintain organised research workflows (version control, reproducible experiments, 3D model management, documentation).
• Support broader project goals as needed (e.g., dataset curation, method benchmarking, cross-validation of simulations with actual measurements)

Job Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, Environmental Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or a related discipline (completed or expected within 2–3 months).
• Demonstrated expertise in using OpenFOAM for CFD modelling and simulation.
• Strong foundational knowledge of thermodynamics, airflow dynamics, and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD modelling software for creating both idealised and complex real-world urban geometries.
• Strong programming/scripting skills for parametric modelling, data extraction, and simulation analysis.
• Good publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient command of spoken and written English.
• Experience modelling urban airflow, solar/PV systems, and/or urban greenery is a plus.