McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 – University of Melbourne

Fellowship Description

Established in 2010, the McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships scheme is the University of Melbourne's flagship postdoctoral development program. It contributes to research excellence and builds the capability of high-calibre scholars at the pivotal early career stage. The fellowship provides a period of concentrated research time that enables outstanding early career researchers to strengthen their research, generate new projects and collaborations, develop research leadership capabilities, and contribute to the broader research objectives of the University.

The University of Melbourne will award up to 16 postdoctoral fellowships for commencement in 2027 to outstanding postdoctoral researchers working in any research field of interest to the University and its faculties. In alignment with the University's Indigenous Strategy and commitment to building the long-term capability of the Indigenous academy, at least two of the fellowships will be awarded to Indigenous researchers or researchers whose appointment supports the equity, diversity, and inclusivity of the research community.

Fellowship Location

The fellowship is tenable at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia. The University of Melbourne is one of Australia's leading research universities, consistently ranked among the top universities globally.

Important Dates

The McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowship follows a two-stage application process with the following key dates:

Host Institution

The University of Melbourne is Australia's leading research university, consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. With a strong commitment to research excellence and innovation, the University provides world-class facilities, resources, and mentorship to support postdoctoral researchers in their scholarly development.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Fields: All research fields of interest to the University and its faculties are eligible. The fellowship is open to researchers in:

• Sciences and Engineering
• Health and Biomedical Sciences
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Law and Business
• Fine Arts and Music
• Architecture and Planning
• Education
• And all other disciplines offered at the University of Melbourne

Target Group

The fellowship targets outstanding early career researchers who have recently completed their PhD. Australian and non-Australian citizens are eligible to apply. At least two fellowships will be awarded to Indigenous researchers or researchers whose appointment supports equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Fellowship Duration & Amount

Duration: 3 years (1.0 FTE, research-focused activity).

Funding:

• Salary: Academic Level A6 in the University Salary Band, plus on-costs and superannuation
• Research Support: Up to $25,000 for research project costs over the full term of the Fellowship (funded by the host faculty)

Number of Fellowships: Up to 16 fellowships for commencement in 2027.

Special Provisions: At least two fellowships will be awarded to Indigenous researchers or researchers who support equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Fellowship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• PhD: Must have graduated, or met the requirements to graduate, with a PhD in a discipline relevant to the fellowship proposal from any university (including the University of Melbourne).
• Timing: Must have completed the requirements for the PhD no earlier than April 1, 2023.
• Citizenship: Australian and non-Australian citizens are eligible.
• Academic Contact: Must identify an Academic Contact at the University of Melbourne to support the application.
• Faculty Requirements: Must meet any additional faculty-specific submission requirements.

Eligibility Exemption Requests: Applicants who fall outside the eligibility criteria may make an Eligibility Exemption Request (EER) in Section B-1 of the EOI form. Exemptions may be considered for:

• Career interruptions or disrupted capacity to undertake research
• Exceptional personal circumstances
• Demonstrable reasons justifying eligibility

Application Procedure

1. Review the Scheme Guidelines – Familiarise yourself with the full eligibility criteria and application requirements.
2. Establish an Academic Contact – Identify an Academic Contact at the University of Melbourne to support your application. Use the University's "Find an Expert" search tool to find academics in your field.
3. Check Faculty Submission Requirements – Review the specific submission requirements for the Faculty/School you are applying to work in. Some faculties require additional notifications or forms.
4. Prepare and Submit EOI – Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SmartyGrants by May 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Include the signed Academic Contact Form.
5. Eligibility Exemption Requests (if applicable) – If you do not meet all eligibility criteria, provide additional details in Part B-1 of the application.
6. EOI Outcomes – Highly ranked EOIs are invited to submit a Full Application by July 22, 2026.
7. Complete Full Application – If shortlisted, complete the Full Application in SmartyGrants by August 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Ensure referees submit their written testimonials by the deadline.
8. Notification – Outcomes are announced at the end of October 2026.

Important notes: Applications with a PhD from the University of Melbourne are eligible. Australian and non-Australian citizens may apply. The Puzey Postdoctoral Fellowship (separate scheme) is open to Australian citizens only. For questions, contact [email protected].

Official Website & Application Links

McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships – Official Page

Application Portal: SmartyGrants (link available on the official scheme page)

Contact Email: [email protected]

Find an Expert: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au