Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (DUPRF) 2027 Description

Description

The Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (DUPRF) scheme supports high-potential early-career researchers seeking to build their research careers in Australia. Created to expand research capacity in strategic areas, the program helps build the next generation of internationally competitive scholars across Deakin’s primary research disciplines.

Selected fellows conduct innovative projects alongside world-class academic teams. Recipients gain access to Deakin's advanced research facilities and receive professional mentoring and skill development through the Deakin Researcher Development Academy.

Fellowship Value and Benefits

The fellowship offers a comprehensive financial and institutional support package for up to three years:

Salary Support: Funding covers up to three years of full-time salary from Academic Level A (Step 6) up to the top of Level B, depending on background and experience.
Research Grant: Recipients receive a one-off research support grant of $15,000 to cover direct project expenses across the duration of the fellowship.
Eligible Expenses: The grant covers project-related costs, including lab consumables, specialized computer hardware, essential equipment, and approved domestic or international research travel.
Professional Growth: Access to tailored early-career training, leadership development, and mentorship opportunities.

Qualification & Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the following criteria to be considered for the DUPRF award:

PhD Requirement: Open to applicants who were awarded a PhD on or after 1 January 2023. Applicants with eligible career interruptions whose effective award date aligns with this period are also eligible. Candidates awaiting conferral must provide proof that their PhD will be completed by 31 December 2026.
Work Entitlement: Applicants must hold the right to work in Australia prior to starting the position, and no later than 31 March 2027.
Supervisor Endorsement: Candidates must contact a matching faculty, school, or research center at Deakin to secure a signed support statement from a prospective supervisor.
Strategic Alignment: Proposed projects must align with Deakin’s core research strengths and strategic focus areas.

Key Details & Structure

Target Audience: Early-career researchers and postdoctoral scholars.
Fellowship Duration: Up to 3 years full-time (international fellows' third year depends on visa requirements).
Applications Open: 1 July 2026.
Application Deadline: 10 August 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.
Outcomes Announced: From November 2026.

Application Procedure

To apply for the DUPRF scheme, candidates must complete the following steps:
Review Guidelines: Read the official DUPRF Guidelines, Instructions, and Conditions of Award on Deakin's research portal.
Contact Host Faculty & Supervisor: Reach out to the Deakin faculty, school, or institute that matches your research area to find a supervisor willing to host your project.
Secure Supervisor Support: Have your proposed supervisor complete and sign the official Supervisor Support Statement.
Prepare Official Application Templates: Complete all required mandatory templates using the 2027 forms:
Full Research Project Proposal: Maximum 5 pages detailing project background, methodology, aims, and alignment with Deakin.
Top 5 Publications Form: Summary of top publications, patents, or contributions from the past 5 years.
Summary of Experience: A 1-page overview of research experience, key contributions, and career aspirations.
CV and Publication List: Uploaded as a single PDF document (maximum 8 pages).
Official PhD Proof: Official testamur or formal letter confirming completion on or before 31 December 2026.
Supporting Documents: Grants/awards history or career interruption documentation (if applicable).
Submit Online: Submit all completed application materials through the Deakin portal before the closing deadline.