Description

The McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships Scheme is a prestigious initiative by the University of Melbourne aimed at fostering research excellence and supporting early career researchers. Established in 2010, this fellowship scheme provides promising scholars with the opportunity to undertake focused research and develop leadership capabilities in their respective fields.

Overview

The McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded to outstanding early career researchers from diverse academic backgrounds. As part of the University’s commitment to nurturing research talent, the scheme offers a unique platform for researchers to advance their careers while contributing significantly to the university’s research ecosystem.

In 2025, the McKenzie Fellowships will be administered under the broader Early Career Researcher Fellowships (ECRF) Selection Process, which also includes the Mary Lugton and Puzey Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Degree Level

University of Melbourne Australia McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at University of Melbourne.

1. Number of Fellowships: Up to 16 fellowships awarded annually.
2. Duration: Three years (1.0 FTE, research-focused).

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Benefits

Funding: Academic Level A6 salary band with on-costs and superannuation, plus up to $25,000 for research project costs.

Eligible Nationalities

Open to all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

PhD holders from any university, awarded no earlier than 17 March 2022. Indigenous researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Procedure

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Applicants are required to submit an EOI through their respective faculty’s SmartyGrants portal. Establishing an Academic Contact at the University of Melbourne is mandatory for the application.

Stage 2: Full Application

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application. This stage requires additional documentation, including written testimonials from referees and the Academic Contact’s Endorsement Form.

Important Dates

1. EOI Submission Deadline: 24 April 2025
2. Full Application Deadline: 30 July 2025
3. Fellowship Commencement: By 30 June 2026

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Early Preparation: Start gathering documents and establishing contacts well in advance.
2. Networking: Reach out to potential Academic Contacts to strengthen your application.
3. Drafting and Reviewing: Utilize the support programs offered by your faculty to refine your application.

Conclusion

The McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships Scheme at the University of Melbourne is an exceptional opportunity for emerging researchers to advance their academic careers. With its robust funding, supportive environment, and focus on research excellence, the fellowship plays a pivotal role in the university’s vision of building a vibrant research community.