Project Officer

We are looking for a Project Officer to support research and development in surface engineering and heat exchangers for energy-efficient thermal systems. The position focuses on the development, optimization, and characterization of engineered surfaces and surface treatment processes to enhance heat-transfer performance. The candidate will be involved in surface fabrication, material and surface characterization, experimental testing, and optimization of processing parameters. In addition, the candidate will contribute to the design and experimental evaluation of heat exchangers and prototypes, including the development and scale-up of surface engineering processes for practical applications. This includes conducting thermal-fluid experiments, developing and operating experimental test setups, analysing performance data, and supporting prototype validation under controlled and practical operating conditions. The candidate will also work closely with the Principal Investigator, research team, and industry collaborators to support technology development and translation. The outcomes of this work will contribute to the development of scalable and energy-efficient heat exchanger technologies, while strengthening the University's research capabilities in surface engineering, heat transfer, and thermal-fluid engineering. Key Responsibilities: The candidate will conduct experimental research in the development of ultrascalable surface engineering method to enhance flow boiling of refrigerant. The key responsibilities and job scope are: - Conduct research and development in surface engineering, system cooling and heat exchangers. - Develop and optimize engineered surfaces and surface treatment processes for enhanced thermal performance. - Design, fabricate and characterize surface-engineered components and prototypes. - Plan and conduct thermal-fluid experiments to evaluate heat-transfer and system performance. - Develop, modify and operate experimental test rigs, instrumentation and measurement systems. - Perform surface and material characterization to establish the relationship between surface characteristics and thermal performance. - Analyse experimental data and identify opportunities for process and design optimization. - Support the scale-up of laboratory-developed surface engineering processes towards larger-scale prototypes. - Conduct performance testing under both controlled laboratory and practical operating conditions. - Support prototype installation, testing and field performance validation in collaboration with industry partners. - Prepare technical reports, research papers, presentations and other project deliverables. Job Requirements: Required educational qualification, experience, skills and competencies: - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field - Basic knowledge of materials science, heat transfer, and surface chemistry and engineering, with exposure to two-phase flow and heat transfer applications being an advantage - Familiarity with chemical treatment, alloy development, and material characterization techniques - Understanding of microstructural characterization techniques, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, and mechanical testing, is preferred - Experience in surface engineering, surface modification, chemical processing, electrochemical techniques, or micro/nanostructured surface development is an advantage - Familiarity with experimental design, laboratory testing, data acquisition, and data analysis for materials and thermal performance evaluation - Exposure to CAD software and engineering design tools, with experience in design for additive manufacturing being an advantage - Ability to support the design, fabrication, and testing of thermal management devices and engineering prototypes - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple research tasks - Good teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment - Excellent writing and communication skills