MOE START Scheme (Applied Research Fellowship) - Engineering

Singapore Institute of Technology; Singapore; On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking outstanding doctoral candidates for an exciting Applied Research Fellowship. This unique opportunity allows you to engage in advanced training and research at a leading overseas university while receiving academic mentorship. The fellowship is designed to nurture the next generation of academic leaders, providing financial support and a pathway to an Assistant Professorship upon completion. If you are a Singapore citizen with a keen interest in an academic career and have recently completed your doctoral studies, this fellowship offers a remarkable chance to bridge your academic knowledge with practical applications in the industry.

Benefits

Monthly stipend

Overseas maintenance allowance

Return economy airfare

Conference and fieldwork grants

Overseas medical insurance

Qualifications

• Excellent academic record with a high degree of proficiency in research.
• Motivation for selected research area aligned with SIT's supported areas.

Responsibilities

• Engage in advanced training and/or research at an overseas university.
• Collaborate closely with industry on translational research.

Skills

Research Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organisation/Company SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SIT) Research Field Engineering Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Singapore Application Deadline 25 May 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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. 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

• 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:Construction technology, Tunnel engineering, 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.