MOE START Scheme (Early Career Awards) - Food, Chemical and Biotechnology

Singapore Institute of Technology; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering an exciting opportunity for Singaporeans who have recently completed their postdoctoral training. This role aims to support the development of teaching and research capabilities in the fields of Food, Chemical, and Biotechnology. Awardees will receive mentorship and research grants to build a competitive portfolio, leading to potential Assistant Professorship. Join a collaborative environment that bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications, fostering innovation and excellence in education and research.

Qualifications

• Strong passion for teaching and research with a focus on food and biotechnology.
• Excellent academic record and motivation for aligned research areas.

Responsibilities

• Develop a competitive research portfolio supported by grants.
• Enhance teaching capabilities and mentor students in research.

Skills

Research Skills

Teaching Skills

Biotechnology Knowledge

Food Safety Expertise

Data Analysis

Education

Postdoctoral Training

PhD in relevant field

Job description

MOE START Scheme (Early Career Awards) - Food, Chemical and Biotechnology

Job no: 498879
Department: Food, Chemical and Biotechnology
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 Early Career Awards (ECA) are designed to support Singaporeans who have recently completed their postdoctoral training and prepare them for an academic career at SIT. This award aims to enhance the teaching capabilities of the recipient and help build a strong research portfolio.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

• Singapore Citizen
• Recently completed postdoctoral training
• Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for a research area that is strongly aligned with SIT’s supported areas
• Strong passion for teaching, research and an academic career

Awardees may receive research grants to help build a competitive research portfolio. Upon completion of the award, awardees will be considered for Assistant Professorship.

Awardees will also be assigned a faculty mentor for the duration of the scheme.

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 Panel for shortlisted applicants will take place from March to April 2026.
• Awards for intake 2026 will be finalised by July 2026.

Supported Areas for START

Food, Chemical and Biotechnology

• Sustainable and Functional food:Sustainable food systems & circular food economy - alternative proteins, upcycled ingredients); AI & automation in food manufacturing - smart sensors, digital twins, and AI-driven food quality control and processing; Food safety - supply chain tracking/monitoring, blockchain
• Biotechnology:Host strain screening and engineering for microbial bioprocess development; microbial physiology and adaptation for industrial applications; high-throughput screening and automation for strain optimization; bioprospecting for novel microbial hosts, enzymes, and metabolites to support sustainable biomanufacturing.
• (Bio)pharmaceuticals:Processing science and technology for bio- and chemical transformations, separations, purifications and formulation applied to pharmaceuticals manufacture; modelling of processing steps and whole processes to support innovation, design, optimisation and control for manufacturing operations.
• Process control:process modelling, control, and optimization, with applications in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing; data-driven modelling and machine learning applications in process industries; advanced process control (APC); model predictive control (MPC); digital twins and real-time process monitoring and control; process analytical technology (PAT); process intensification and sustainability.

Apply now
Advertised: 20 Mar 2025 Singapore Standard Time