Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowship

Overview:

• Contribute to high-quality research with significant societal impact
• Supportive research environment for Indigenous staff as a university of choice
• 4 Year Fixed Term contract, attractive salary and 17% Superannuation
• Based at one of the RMIT’s Melbourne campuses (City, Brunswick or Bundoora)

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About the Program

Each year, RMIT brings on the world’s best and brightest researchers and teams to undertake transdisciplinary applied research that creates positive impact for society, the economy and the environment. This year, our focus is on building transdisciplinary capability in three key areas:

• Regenerative & Sustainable Futures
• MedTech Innovation
• Digital Innovation

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We are seeking Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants and offer the following range of Fellowships:

Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Principal Research Fellowship

To be suitable for a Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Principal Research Fellowship, applicants must hold a PhD and it is expected that you will have an excellent track record and international recognition for undertaking high-quality research aligned with one or more of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas, contributing significantly to research outputs and translation, industry and public engagement, building capability of staff, promoting strong research performance, and above all, engaging in research which builds societal, environmental and economic benefit and positive change in the world. You will have proven ability to provide research leadership, build teams, develop networks, and manage collaborative partnered research projects in a global environment.

If successful, you can expect:

•  A Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Principal Research Fellowship for four years and salary commencing between Academic level D1-D4 (depending on experience)

• $40,000, per annum, research support funding for four years

Position Description - Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Principal Research Fellowship

Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Senior Research Fellowship

As a Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Senior Research Fellow, applicants must hold a PhD and it is expected that you will have an established track record and a national reputation for undertaking high quality research aligned with one of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas. Indigenous Senior Research Fellows will have proven ability to provide research leadership, develop networks and manage collaborative partnered research projects in a global environment.

If successful, you can expect:

• A Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Senior Research Fellowship for four years with a salary ranging between Academic Level C1-C6 (depending on experience)

• $30,000 per annum research support funding

Position Description - Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Senior Research Fellowship

Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowship

As a Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, applicants must hold a PhD and it is expected that you will have an emerging track record and a national reputation for undertaking high quality research aligned with one of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas. Indigenous Research Fellows will have proven ability to provide research leadership, develop networks and manage collaborative partnered research projects in a global environment.

If successful, you can expect:

• A Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowship for four years with a salary ranging between Academic Level B2-B6 (depending on experience)

• $20,000 per annum research support funding

Position Description - Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowship

Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

As a Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow, applicants must hold a PhD and you will be expected to make significant contributions to RMIT’s research priorities by engaging in high-quality research projects and producing high-quality outputs. The position will carry out team-based research projects, which will make a significant impact in the area of your specialisation and be influential in expanding the knowledge quality research aligned with one of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas.

If successful, you can expect:

• A Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for four years with a salary between Academic Level A6-B2 (depending on year of PhD conferral)

• $10,000 per annum research support funding

• An opportunity to significantly build your research track record and reputation, supported by training, development and mentorship

Position Description - Vice Chancellor's Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships are identified opportunities under ‘Special Measures’ of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010. This means that only Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Confirmation of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is required, and you will need to submit this during the application process.

Please click here for more information about the Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships program.

Note: Fellowships are not available to current RMIT employees who are already in Continuing/ongoing positions.

Any Questions   

If this interests you and you would like to have a yarn, contact the Research Fellowships Team at researchfellowships@rmit.edu.au

Submission Deadline

All complete submissions close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 1st September 2026 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Applications Close:

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. 

In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.  All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.  Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.