"Research Staff"

As a University of Applied Learning, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) works closely with industry partners to deliver impactful, application-driven research. This position supports a strategic research project on full electric harbour craft microgrid modelling, onboard energy management systems (EMS), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation.

The Research Staff will contribute to the design, modelling, simulation, validation, and optimization of electric vessel power systems, with strong emphasis on battery-based propulsion, onboard microgrids, EMS algorithms, and real-time validation platforms.

Project & Research Responsibilities:

• Participate in and support the execution of the research project with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and research team, covering electric vessel modelling, onboard microgrids, and energy management systems.
• Contribute to the delivery of project milestones across modelling, EMS development, HIL validation, and system optimization.
• Support documentation, reporting, and dissemination of research outcomes to stakeholders and industry partners.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Develop and simulate electrical and propulsion system models for full electric harbour craft using MATLAB/Simulink.
• Model key onboard components including battery energy storage, power converters, propulsion motors, and ship service loads.
• Simulate propulsion and propeller load behaviour under varying operating and marine environmental conditions.
• Integrate and evaluate auxiliary energy sources such as solar power within the onboard microgrid.
• Perform energy consumption, battery sizing, efficiency, and carbon performance studies for electric vessels.
• Design and implement an onboard Energy Management System (EMS) for coordinated control of onboard power systems.
• Develop EMS strategies for power sharing, battery management, and voltage regulation.
• Deploy models on real-time HIL platforms (e.g., Typhoon HIL, OPAL-RT) for system validation.
• Conduct unit, sub-system, and system-level testing under normal and fault conditions.
• Analyse simulation and HIL results to optimize EMS performance, including support for autonomous vessel operation.
• To liaise and communicate with any relevant internal or external stakeholder to ensure project deliverables are met.
• Any other ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor.

Experience & Technical Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant research or industry experience in one or more of the following:
• High-fidelity electrical system modelling using MATLAB/Simulink
• Electric vehicle, marine, or microgrid power system simulation
• Energy management system (EMS) or supervisory control algorithm development
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platforms (e.g., OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL)
• Experience in battery energy storage systems, power converters, and propulsion drives.
• Knowledge of control systems, optimization techniques, and stability analysis is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with marine electrical systems or isolated microgrids is an advantage.

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience and commitment to student supervision, mentoring, and training.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical, modelling, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to translate research outcomes into practical, industry-relevant solutions
• Proactive, self-directed learner with a commitment to continuous professional development
• Strong sense of ownership, initiative, and accountability
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships within the university and with industry partners