RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded Research Fellowship

Applications are now open for the RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships (VCRF) 2027, a prestigious fellowship program offered by RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. The program seeks outstanding local and international researchers who are passionate about conducting transdisciplinary, impact-driven research that addresses global challenges and creates positive outcomes for society, the economy, and the environment.

The fellowship provides generous salary packages, annual research funding, mentorship, and access to RMIT’s world-class research ecosystem. Successful fellows are expected to commence their appointments in 2027 across a range of academic levels, from postdoctoral researchers to internationally recognized research leaders.

Fellowship Overview

• Host University: RMIT University
• Host Country: Australia
• Programme: Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships (VCRF) 2027
• Programme Type: Fully Funded Research Fellowship
• Eligible Applicants: Local and international researchers
• Expected Commencement: 2027
• Application Deadline: 29 July 2026 (11:59 a.m. AEST)

Fellowship Categories

RMIT is recruiting researchers across four academic levels:

1. Vice-Chancellor’s Principal Research Fellowship

• Four-year appointment
• Academic Level D
• Designed for internationally recognized research leaders.

2. Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellowship

• Four-year appointment
• Academic Level C
• For experienced researchers with a strong national and international reputation.

3. Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowship

• Four-year appointment
• Academic Level B
• Includes AUD 20,000 per year in research support funding.

4. Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

• Three-year appointment
• Academic Levels A6–B2
• Includes AUD 10,000 per year in research support funding.
• Comprehensive mentoring and career development support.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive:

• Competitive academic salary.
• Research appointment at one of Australia’s leading universities.
• Annual research support funding:
  • AUD 20,000 per year (Research Fellowship)
  • AUD 10,000 per year (Postdoctoral Fellowship)
• Access to world-class laboratories and research infrastructure.
• Professional development and leadership training.
• Mentorship from senior researchers.
• Opportunities to collaborate with industry and international partners.
• Support for high-impact interdisciplinary research.

Strategic Research Priority Areas

Applicants should align their research with one or more of RMIT’s strategic priorities:

• Regenerative and Sustainable Futures
• MedTech Innovation
• Digital Innovation

RMIT particularly encourages research that delivers measurable real-world impact through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification.
• For the Postdoctoral Fellowship, have received their PhD within the previous five years (since 29 July 2021, excluding eligible career interruptions), or complete their PhD before an offer is made (expected around December 2026).
• Demonstrate an outstanding research track record appropriate to the fellowship level.
• Show strong alignment with one or more of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas.
• Be able to commence the fellowship in 2027.

Current RMIT employees in ongoing positions are not eligible, although eligible casual and fixed-term staff may apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be asked to submit:

• Online application
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three-minute video introduction
• Research achievements and career history
• Information on career interruptions (if applicable)
• Responses to eligibility questions

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview via Microsoft Teams, followed by reference checks before offers are made.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Research excellence relative to opportunity.
• Alignment with RMIT’s research priorities.
• Potential for real-world impact.
• Leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to build interdisciplinary partnerships.

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Review the fellowship categories and eligibility requirements.
2. Select the fellowship level that matches your academic experience.
3. Prepare your CV and three-minute video.
4. Complete the online application through RMIT’s application portal.
5. Submit your application before 29 July 2026.

The RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships 2027 offer an exceptional opportunity for researchers at different career stages to join one of Australia’s leading research universities. With generous research funding, competitive salaries, mentorship, and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges, the program provides an ideal platform for researchers aiming to create meaningful academic and societal impact. Eligible researchers from around the world are encouraged to submit their applications before the 29 July 2026 deadline.