MOE START Scheme (Applied Research Fellowship) - Engineering
Job no:498882 Department: Engineering Contract type:Contract Apply now
At the heart of SIT’s mission is to nurture industry-ready graduates equipped with deep technical expertise and transferable skills to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. SIT collaborates with industry in our education, while benefitting them with our talent supply and collaborative research achievements.
The University’s unique applied learning pedagogy integrates work and study, embedding authentic learning experiences within real-world environments. Through strategic partnerships forged by our faculty with industry, learners bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application in and out of the classroom. Such active & authentic learning opportunities ensures graduates step into their careers with applicable skills and competence.
In research, SIT faculty aims to bridge knowledge creation and utilisation. Our faculty collaborates closely with industry on translational research and innovation with focus on addressing pertinent industry challenges to impact businesses.
The Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent (START) Scheme is co-funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SIT to encourage and support outstanding young Singaporeans interested in pursuing an academic career at SIT.
The Applied Research Fellowship aims to provide doctoral candidates who are about to complete or have recently completed their studies an opportunity to engage in advanced training and/or research at an overseas university for one year.
Besides financial support, awardees will also receive academic mentorship.
Upon completion of the Fellowship, awardees will be considered for Assistant Professorship.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Singapore citizen
Doctoral candidates who have recently completed or are about to complete their studies in a discipline under the supported areas for START below
Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for selected research area
Have been accepted or have applied for a postdoctoral training at a leading overseas university in a research area that is aligned with SIT’s supported areas
A keen interest in an academic career
Value of Fellowship
The Fellowship provides
Monthly stipend
Overseas maintenance allowance
Return economy airfare
Conference and fieldwork grants
Overseas medical insurance
Fellows will also each be assigned a SIT faculty mentor throughout their post-doctoral training and have opportunities to participate in faculty development programmes.
The fellowship is tenable for one year. On an exception basis, a two-year programme may be supported.
Service Commitment
One year for every year of sponsorship.
Application Process
Applications are open throughout the year via the various links below. Applications received before 15 January 2026 will be considered for intake 2026.
Interview by the respective clusters for shortlisted applicants will be conducted throughout the year.
Final Interview by the Panel for shortlisted applicants for intake 2026 will commence in Mid-March to End April 2026.
Awards will be finalised by July 2026.
Supported Areas for START
Engineering
Energy Resilience: Power electronic converters for distributed energy resources and microgrids; High voltage DC transmission and distribution components and systems; Electric propulsions systems for land, sea and air; Wide bandgap solid-state protective devices.
Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering & Maintenance: Integrated BIM for Civil and MEP design optimisation; Non-destructive testing and prognostic maintenance for infrastructure life extension.
Sustainable Maritime Engineering: Ship design and optimisation towards maritime decarbonisation; maritime battery room design for safety; intelligent ship and operations; autonomous vessels and systems.
