Research Fellow

Cluster: Engineering

Job Purpose

We are seeking a Research Fellow at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to undertake high-quality applied research for a funded project at the Singapore Institute of Technology aimed at advancing understanding of lift-generated noise in residential buildings. The role supports the achievement of the grantor’s objectives and proposed research outcomes through rigorous investigation, close collaboration with the PI and research team, and the development of industry-relevant insights for the built environment sector. We are looking for a passionate and detail-oriented researcher who is committed to producing careful, high-quality technical work. The primary responsibility of this role is to plan and execute field measurements and analytical investigations of lift traction motor noise and vibration in residential buildings, including conducting sound intensity and vibration measurements, analysing acousto-structural transmission paths, developing predictive models, and producing research outputs that support practical noise mitigation solutions for the built environment industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in and manage the research project with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and research team members to ensure that all technical milestones and project deliverables are achieved.
• Undertake the following responsibilities in the project:
• i. Plan and conduct field measurements of lift traction motor noise and vibration in residential buildings using sound intensity probes, accelerometers, and multi-channel data acquisition systems.
• ii. Perform signal processing, vibration analysis, and acousto-structural transmission path investigations to identify dominant noise sources and structural coupling mechanisms.
• iii. Develop and implement measurement protocols, experimental setups, and data acquisition procedures for airborne and structure-borne noise studies.
• iv. Analyse measurement data using specialised acoustic and vibration analysis software, and develop predictive or simulation models to interpret noise propagation and structural vibration behaviour.
• v. Prepare technical reports, research publications, and presentations to disseminate findings to academic, industry, and funding stakeholders.
• vi. Assist in the development of mitigation strategies or engineering guidelines to reduce lift-related noise transmission in residential environments.
• Coordinate site access, field measurements, and technical discussions with project collaborators, industry partners, and building stakeholders.
• Coordinate procurement of equipment, liaison with vendors/suppliers, and ensure proper calibration, operation, and maintenance of measurement instrumentation.
• Carry out laboratory and project risk assessments, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health (WSH) regulations during field measurements and experimental work.
• Co-supervise undergraduate student projects related to acoustics and vibration measurements when required.
• Work independently, as well as within a multidisciplinary research team, to ensure timely completion of project tasks and research outputs.
• To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met.
• Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Have relevant competence in acoustics, vibration, and structural dynamics.
• Familiarity with signal processing and vibration/acoustic analysis techniques.
• Experience with data analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent engineering software.
• Experience with experimental and instrumentation measurements setup for noise and vibration (e.g., sound intensity probes, vibration sensors, or similar instrumentation) involving microphones and accelerometers, or multi-channel data acquisition systems will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of building acoustics, structure-borne noise, or machinery vibration will be advantageous.
• Prior research experience with peer-reviewed publications in acoustics, noise control, or vibration engineering will be advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills in solving engineering and research problems.
• Proficient in technical writing and presentation for reports, publications, and stakeholder communication.
• Able to work independently while also contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Demonstrate strong initiative and take ownership of assigned research tasks and project deliverables.
• Able to organise and manage field measurements, instrumentation setup, and experimental data collection.
• Good problem-solving ability in addressing technical issues encountered during experiments or measurements.
• Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with project collaborators, industry partners, and research staff.
• Self-directed learner who is committed to continuous learning and professional development.
• Self-directed learner who believes in continuous learning and development.
• Proficient in technical writing and presentation.
• Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Show strong initiative and take ownership of work.