PhD Student (EDB-IPP Contract) - Part-Time

💼 Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled PhD Student to join our global research unit. Based in Singapore, our team is pioneering innovative solutions in sustainability and wellbeing within residential environments, with a particular emphasis on intelligent HVAC control systems. You will collaborate on groundbreaking research that harnesses sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced control principles to optimise thermal comfort and enhance occupant wellbeing whilst reducing energy consumption for cooling.

🎯 What you will do (Key Responsibilities)

• Collect, analyse, and interpret sensor data from real-world residential environments to understand user behaviour patterns throughout the day
• Integrate physiological monitoring data with indoor and outdoor environmental metrics to develop comprehensive user comfort profiles
• Characterise individual user needs and preferences regarding thermal comfort and overall wellbeing
• Design and develop behaviour-based advanced control algorithms for residential HVAC systems that deliver personalised, optimal indoor environments
• Focus on optimising bedroom environments to enhance sleep quality whilst exploring control opportunities across other residential spaces
• Conduct rigorous validation and testing of developed control strategies in real-world settings
• Contribute to cutting-edge research that bridges the gap between occupant behaviour, physiological wellbeing, and energy efficiency
• Collaborate with world-class research teams at NUS and Bosch to translate research findings into practical applications

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct pioneering research in behaviour-based HVAC control systems, working alongside leading researchers and industry partners to create meaningful impact in residential sustainability and occupant wellbeing.

Qualifications

👤 What We're Looking For (Qualifications & Skills)

Essential Qualifications:

• Singaporean citizen or PR status (required for EDB-IPP program eligibility).
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with a foundation in AI and programming.
• Meet the National University of Singapore (NUS) PhD programme admission requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated curiosity, self-motivation, and collaborative spirit with a genuine passion for solving real-world challenges through research.
• Some research exposure or practical experience in areas such as HVAC systems, artificial intelligence, data science, control engineering, or building sustainability.

Qualities That Stand Out:

• Familiarity with air conditioning systems, modeling techniques, and control principles.
• Interest in current research trends and best practices in sustainable building design, thermal comfort optimization, and energy management.
• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) or machine learning libraries (scikit-learn).
• Background working with IoT sensors, data collection methodologies, and cloud computing platforms.
• Strong academic performance with published work in reputable conferences or peer-reviewed journals.
• Recent graduates with outstanding academic credentials are highly encouraged to apply—we value potential and enthusiasm as much as experience.