University of Melbourne McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in Australia
Aspiring researchers and academic pioneers, this is your opportunity to accelerate your research career at a top global university. The McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships Scheme 2026 at the University of Melbourne is currently inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from early career researchers in every discipline.
This extremely competitive fellowship provides not only substantial funding but also an opportunity to advance as a research leader while cultivating new projects and partnerships in a vibrant academic setting. Whether you’re a new PhD graduate or a researcher coming back after a career pause, this chance might serve as your gateway to an esteemed research career.
Overview of the the McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowship
Initiated in 2010, the McKenzie Fellowship is the premier postdoctoral program at the University of Melbourne. It forms a component of the Early Career Researcher Fellowships (ECRF) Selection Procedure, which additionally encompasses the Mary Lugton and Puzey Fellowships. Fellows receive assistance in creating innovative research while helping the university achieve its larger research goals and community impact.
Eligibility Requirements
To submit an application for the 2025 cycle (beginning in 2026), candidates are required to:
- Possess a PhD from any institution (including the University of Melbourne), conferred on or after 17 March 2022.
- Must be able to start by 30 June 2026.
- Not have previously finished a McKenzie, Mary Lugton, Puzey, or Melbourne Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- Do not have any pending final or progress reports from previous University of Melbourne research initiatives.
If your PhD was granted prior to 17 March 2022, you can still apply by sending an Eligibility Exemption Request (EER) because of career interruptions or extraordinary circumstances.
Fellowships Program Structure
- Stage 1: Present an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SmartyGrants (utilizing the portal link for your faculty).
- Stage 2: If selected, you will be asked to provide a Full Application along with extra documents and references from referees.
You need to obtain an Academic Contact at the University of Melbourne, who will back your application and assist you throughout the process.
Benefits of the UoM Fellowship 2026
- A maximum of 16 Fellowships will be granted for entry in 2026.
- Three years of full-time research (1.0 FTE) at Academic Level A6, inclusive of complete salary, overheads, and superannuation.
- A single-instance research assistance grant of up to $25,000 will be provided by the hosting faculty.
- Guidance and educational assistance via a committed Academic Contact.
- Focused assistance for Indigenous scholars and individuals who promote diversity and equality in research.
How to Apply
Program Timeline and Free Webinar
- 27 March 2025 (10:00 AEST): Information Webinar for McKenzie Fellowships (Sign up here)
- 24 April 2025 (15:00 AEST): Cut-off for submitting EOIs and EERs through SmartyGrants.
- 9 July 2025: Results of EOI revealed; selected applicants asked to provide complete submissions.
- 30 July 2025: Last day to submit complete applications and dispatch referee recommendations.
- October 2025: Results announcement.
- By 30 June 2026: Fellows are required to begin.
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