SIT's mission is centred on nurturing industry-ready graduates who possess deep technical expertise and transferable skills to address future challenges. We collaborate with industry in our education, providing them with a talented workforce and benefiting from our collaborative research endeavours.

Our University’s distinctive applied learning pedagogy integrates work and study, embedding authentic learning experiences within real-world settings. Through strategic partnerships forged by our academic staff with industry, learners bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application inside and outside of the classroom. These active and authentic learning opportunities ensure that graduates enter their careers with relevant skills and competence.

In research, SIT faculty aims to bridge the gap between knowledge creation and utilisation. Our faculty work closely with industry on translational research and innovation, focusing on addressing significant industry challenges to positively 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 exceptional Singaporeans who are 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

Benefits

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 the 2026 intake. 
• 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 the 2026 intake 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.