Research Engineer - Sustainable Geomaterials for Land Reclamation

Research

Division: Engineering

Employment Type: Fixed Term

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT.

To provide technical and operational leadership in the development, execution, and translation of sustainable geomaterials for land reclamation under an industry-collaborative research programme, working under the strategic direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) to ensure successful delivery from laboratory research to pilot and field implementation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the PI in the planning, execution, and delivery of the research project, including leading day-to-day technical activities to ensure milestones and deliverables are achieved within timeline and budget.
• Provide technical leadership in the development of carbonation-engineered geomaterials (e.g. demolition fines, incineration bottom ash) for reclamation applications, aligned with the research direction set by the PI.
• Design and oversee experimental programmes, including laboratory testing, pilot-scale trials, and field validation, ensuring technical rigour and relevance to industry application.
• Translate research findings into engineering solutions, including material specifications, performance frameworks, and implementation methodologies suitable for industry adoption.
• Lead the scale-up of laboratory processes (e.g. aqueous carbonation) to prototype and pilot systems, including system design, optimisation, and operational considerations.
• Supervise and mentor research staff (RFs, REs, RAs), including task allocation, technical guidance, and monitoring of progress to ensure effective team delivery.
• Coordinate with industry partners and vendors on technical matters, including trials, material supply, equipment development, and site implementation.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges related to material variability, process scalability, and environmental compliance.
• Oversee environmental performance assessment, including leachate testing and alignment with regulatory requirements for reclamation use.
• Prepare and contribute to technical reports, journal publications, and presentations for stakeholders, funding agencies, and dissemination.
• Support the PI in identifying new research opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and strengthening industry engagement.
• Co-supervise undergraduate, Industrial Master and Doctoral students in alignment with project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health (WSH) regulations, including maintaining risk assessments and safe laboratory and field practices.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline, with at least 10 years of relevant industry or research experience; or
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with at least 15 years of relevant industry or research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading technical components of research or engineering projects and supervising junior staff.
• Experience in experimental programme design, laboratory and/or field testing, and data-driven engineering evaluation.
• Familiarity with material treatment or processing methods (e.g. stabilisation, carbonation, or related technologies) will be advantageous.
• Experience in industry collaboration, pilot-scale implementation, or technology translation will be advantageous.
• Experience in reclamation or ground improvement will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of environmental assessment and leachate testing for construction materials will be an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical leadership and mentoring capability
• Advanced problem-solving ability in complex engineering environments
• Ability to translate research into practical and scalable engineering solutions
• Strong project coordination and delivery skills
• Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams and industry stakeholders
• High level of ownership, initiative, and accountability
• Adaptability across laboratory, pilot-scale, and field environments