Job Description

Research Associate (Electrolyser systems) position in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at National University of Singapore (NUS). 

With a strong focus on industrial projects, we are developing our high-impact technologies beyond the lab scale. As a Research Associate, you will contribute to our industry project focusing on scaling up our electro-metallurgical refining technologies to extract critical battery materials (Li, Ni, Co, Mn) and convert them into high-value battery precursors. We are seeking a talented and experienced individual to design, optimize, and scale-up of electrolyser systems to use for recycling spent battery materials.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Build

•    Lead the design and scaleup our electrolyser systems including key components such as cell configurations, flow channels, electrodes, ion exchange membranes, and catalysts. 
•    Conduct CFD and electrochemical simulations to optimize fluid flow, heat transfer, and current distribution within the electrolyzer.
•    Model key parameters such as overpotential, gas diffusion, ion transport, and pressure drop to improve overall electrolyzer efficiency.
•    Develop system models using MATLAB/Simulink/LabVIEW to analyze system performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize efficiency.
•    Liaising with manufacturing partners and vendors to develop prototypes and ensure the successful fabrication from design to production.

Testing & Optimization :

•    Test and optimize new electrolyzer systems, ensuring they meet performance targets (current density, voltage, efficiency), durability and safety under various operating conditions.
•    Implement design modifications to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption

Qualifications

•    Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or any related field.
•    Minimum 5 years of experience in electrolyzer design, stack development in the field of Fuel cell, Redox flow battery, Chlor-Alkali electrolysers or related fields.
•    Experience with large-scale electrolyser systems, including component selection, system integration, and process scale-up from lab to pilot is highly desirable.
•    Experience in cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, potentiostatic and galvanostatic testing and durability testing of electrochemical components.
•    Proficiency in SolidWorks or AutoCAD for detailed mechanical design and layout of electrolyser/Fuel cell systems.
•    Proficiency in ANSYS, COMSOL, and MATLAB/LabVIEW/ Simulink software.
•    Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast-paced academic environment.
•    Fluent in English (both written and spoken).

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: College of Design and Engineering

Department : Materials Science and Engineering

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 31827