MOE START Scheme (Early Career Awards) - Health and Social Sciences

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

Health Sciences 

• Diagnostic Radiography: Radiography involves the controlled use of ionising radiation, radioactive substances and non-ionising radiation to produce diagnostic quality images of the human body, facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of patients (Allied Health Professions Act 2011).
• Dietetics: Dietetics involves the management of medical conditions and promotion of health through application of food and nutrition. Dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy and implement specific diet strategies for chronic medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries (Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association).
• Nursing: Registered nurses render health services to individuals, families, and communities (Singapore Nursing Board Code for Nurses and Midwives 2018).
• Speech and Language Therapy: Speech and Language Therapy involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders (Allied Health Professions Act 2011).
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy involves assessment and interventions to work or school, self-care, leisure or play, physical environments as well as cognitive, mental and physical components of function to enable individuals affected by physical injury or illness, developmental or learning disabilities, psychosocial dysfunctions or the aging process, to engage in everyday life occupations in order to maximise independent performance of life roles, prevent disability and maintain health (Allied Health Professions Act 2011).
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy involves assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of pain, injury, or any other physical dysfunction, through the use of education, exercise, manual therapy, electro-physical agents, technology or any other treatment for those purposes (Allied Health Professions Act 2011).