Job Description

Duties and responsibilities

We are looking for a full-time (5 days a week, 8 hours) Research Associate for 12 to 36 months appointment to commence in August 2021 or as soon as possible.

As a part of a mixed-mode ventilation system, open windows ensure natural ventilation or fresh air supply for occupants. The combination of operable windows and an air-conditioning system can help to eliminate energy consumption in the context of well and green buildings. However, window opening is often met with conflicting acoustical performance. In particular, given the rapid urbanization in Singapore, it is inevitable that buildings are located near roads with busy traffic and noisy construction sites. If not properly designed, high noise levels may cause a health issue or occupants’ dissatisfaction.

This project aims to develop and characterise a new design of the acoustics ventilation windows. Dynamic controls of the mechanical ventilation system and the window openings of the windows are proposed to eliminate the noise level based on the outdoor noise levels. A field test would be carried out at the testbed. The goal is to provide a better understanding of the relationship of the dynamic noise levels and human satisfaction as well as the strategies for the optimization of the noise level, fresh air supply and energy conservation. The performance of the proposed ventilation windows will be tested in different settings where theoretical and experimental data will be compared and analysed. Theoretical and numerical tools will be developed for architects and engineers to use the acoustics ventilation windows in tropics.

To meet the goals, the following two specific tasks of acoustics ventilation windows will be pursued:

• To develop efficient control strategies for the mechanical ventilation and dynamic window openings; and
• To characterize and examine the use of mechanical ventilation and dynamic openings for noise reduction and air supply.

This proposed project involves diverse theoretical as well as applied facets of numerical and experimental acoustics. This position will be responsible for the numerical simulation and experimental tasks as well as computer-testing, laboratory-testing, and field-testing. This position will participate in the development of mechanical ventilation and dynamic window openings. S/he will also assist in other aspects of the research and dissemination of the results. The candidates are preferred to register for research degree programme (e.g. PhD or Master by research).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (preferably Master’s) Degree in Architecture, Acoustics or another relevant engineering

Skills Requirement

• Knowledge of the scientific research and survey
• Experience in research work and writing
• Preferably, skilled in finite element modelling, adaptive control and/or acoutics measurement
• Capacity to work independently and self-motivation
• Management skills
• Writing, presentation & communication skills
• Critical and innovative thinking
• Project Planning & scheduling
• Attention to details
• Knowledge of acoustics and skilled in experimental acoustics
• Experience in research work and writing
• Preferably, skilled in COMSOL, Labview, MatLab or Simlink

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: School of Design And Environment
Department: Architecture
Employee Referral Eligible: No