Apply for RMIT's Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowships

Regenerative and Sustainable Futures advances knowledge and practice beyond traditional sustainability, accelerating efforts to restore, renew, and revitalise human, ecological, and material systems for inhabitable planetary futures. At RMIT, researchers are building visionary, interdisciplinary approaches across technology, design, enterprise, and society, with a strong orientation towards inclusion and justice, and deep engagement with First Nations knowledge.

In 2026, this theme foregrounds sustainability as a core principle with the topics listed below collectively driving RMIT’s commitment to planetary health, social equity, and sustainable transformation, supporting Australia’s transition to a regenerative and sustainable future.

• R1. Regenerative Agriculture and Food Innovation Technologies: Sustainable Production from Soil to System
  This area focuses on applying physical sciences and engineering principles to revolutionise food production and sustainability. Research may include precision fermentation, smart farming technologies, soil health sensors, and sustainable nutrient cycling systems. With an emphasis on materials science, biophysics, and environmental science, projects investigate scalable food production technologies that reduce environmental degradation, promote climate resilience, and support closed-loop nutrient and energy flows. The goal is to build food systems that are technologically advanced, ecologically harmonious, and resilient in the face of global change.

• R2. Generative AI for Net-Zero Design and Construction
  This topic focuses on developing construction-specific foundation models that automate high-performance building design. Research investigates how AI can integrate embodied carbon reduction, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance into early-stage Building Information Model (BIM) workflows. By combining generative AI with real-time sustainability analytics and digital twins, projects aim to minimise waste and carbon footprints, optimise intervention timing, and enable future-ready, sustainable construction.

• R3. Clean Energy Materials and Devices: Engineering the Transition to Net-Zero
  This area supports research into next-generation energy materials and device architectures for renewable generation, storage, transmission and conversion. Research may focus on thin-film photovoltaics, solid-state batteries, hydrogen production via electrolysis, or thermoelectric systems, or smart/micro grids, or renewable energy integration. With foundations in materials/electrical engineering, nanotechnology, and applied physics, the goal is to accelerate the energy transition through scalable, efficient, and circular energy solutions that regenerate planetary systems.

• R4. Critical Mineral Processing – Rare Earth Elements
  This topic advances sustainable approaches to the recovery, separation, and processing of rare earth elements (REEs). Australia has an abundance of rare earth deposits but limited midstream and downstream processing capability. Research spans sustainable, low-temperature, and efficient methods to extract and separate REEs from sources such as ionic clay deposits, electronic waste, and mining or industrial wastes. Key research aims to reduce reliance on hazardous chemical processes, enhance separation of mixed concentrates, and improve economic viability for lower-grade deposits.

• R5. Novel Solutions and Natural Capital Systems for Regenerative Futures in Water and the Environment
  This topic covers nature systems and environmental decision science, including ecosystem restoration, nature-based climate solutions, natural capital accounting, environmental monitoring, and policy/economic frameworks to scale regenerative approaches.

• R6. Regenerative urban futures - Renewable and Carbon+ Precincts
  This research topic examines and addresses decarbonisation, productivity, and sustainability challenges facing Australia’s built environment, focusing on low‑carbon construction processes, integrated design tools, and regenerative systems approaches. Fellows will be based in the Post-Carbon Research Centre, designing and testing material, digital, and integration dimensions of renewable and carbon-positive precincts. Successful applicants will have active industry partnerships and a strong foundation in regenerative and systems design, with the ability to apply automation, offsite, and digital technologies to construction challenges for sustainable outcomes. Transdisciplinary collaboration across RMIT’s Design and Social Context-, Business-, and STEM Colleges will be essential.

• R7. Creative Practice
  This topic requires practice-based research dedicated to socially engaged regenerative futures. Successful candidates will bring strong networks and contribute to ambitious projects, thought leadership, and impactful transdisciplinary arts research, contributing to RMIT’s Contemporary Art and Social Transformation (CAST) research group. Thematic areas include Indigenous and First Nations communities, climate justice, community‑engaged arts, arts in public space, arts and health, arts and science, and emerging technologies in creative industries.

• R8. Social equity policy and governance
  This research contributes to innovative projects addressing social and structural determinants of wellbeing and health. Successful candidates will possess a strong foundation in social justice, co-design, and mixed-methods skills. Collaboration across the social sector is essential, as is a commitment to equity-focused research. Based in RMIT’s Social Equity Research Centre (SERC), Fellows will specialise in mixed-methods modelling, large-linked dataset analysis, systems modelling, and policy translation. Strong sector partnerships and grant/tender experience are required.

• R9. Architectural design and advanced/emerging digital technologies
  This research requires practice-based architectural designers and researchers dedicated to exploring advanced and emerging digital technologies for new architectural design processes and innovative applied solutions for regenerative futures. Thematic areas include generative AI for architectural design, computational design, robotic fabrication, and virtual worlds. Based in the School of Architecture & Urban Design, Fellows will contribute to ambitious cross-disciplinary projects and impactful transdisciplinary design-practice research for Australia’s built environment.

• R10. Media Futures
  This research contributes to the design, governance, and implementation of new technologies and infrastructures across the media and communications sector. Building on the ARC Centre of Excellence in Automated Decision-Making and Society, researchers will have expertise in audience/user studies, media and communication infrastructures, information integrity, digital inclusion, and media policy/governance.

• R11. Digital Economies, Sustainable Consumption and Behaviour Change
  This topic examines how digital transformation can drive inclusive economic participation and reshape consumption and behavioural patterns toward sustainable outcomes. Research brings together digital platforms, finance, behavioural economics, marketing science, and public policy to understand how incentives, norms, data, and technology influence decision-making. The focus is on designing and evaluating interventions that reduce inequality, accelerate sustainable consumption, and support circular and regenerative economic models.

MedTech Innovation at RMIT is revolutionising health outcomes and expectations through advances in medical technology, smart materials, bioinformatics, and digital health.

This strategic research priority area is committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, translational impact, and addressing health challenges across the lifespan and diverse communities. RMIT’s partnerships with leading medical institutions and investment in cutting-edge infrastructure underpin our drive for practical, real-world health solutions. For 2026, our focus will be on the following three priority topics:

• M1. Technologies for Healthy Aging
  This topic focuses on developing and applying innovative technologies that support longevity, improve quality of life, and promote healthier ageing across the lifespan. Research may involve assistive technologies, remote monitoring systems, smart devices, data-driven health interventions, and tools enabling older adults to maintain independence, safety, and social connection in home and community settings.

• M2. Bioinformatics for Cancer
  This high-priority topic focuses on translating medical technology discoveries into clinical practice for people with, or at risk of, developing malignant disease. Successful Fellows are experts in big data (biostatistics and bioinformatics) who also understand 'wet-lab' and clinical translation.

• M3. Bioinstrumentation for Infection Detection and Immune Monitoring
  This topic focuses on engineering platforms for rapid, point-of-care detection of infectious agents and immune system biomarkers. Research includes microfluidic systems, optical / optoelectronic / electrochemical biosensors, smart sensors, and deployable diagnostics for clinical, remote, or emergency settings. Neuromorphics for low-energy autonomous sensing is emphasised.

Digital Innovation is pivotal to shaping the future of the digital economy, society, and individual wellbeing.

RMIT’s commitment is to world-leading, multidisciplinary digital innovation research, driving prosperity, security, and ethical outcomes for all. Our work addresses the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation, from quantum technologies to the ethical deployment of AI in society and business. For 2026, our focus will be on the following six priority topics:

• D1. Quantum Digital Innovation
  This high-priority topic is focused on research at the intersection of quantum science and digital technologies. Fellows will lead projects advancing quantum information processing, computing algorithms, software stacks, quantum/post-quantum cryptography, and precision manufacturing of quantum devices. Research delivers quantum sensing solutions for health, mining, and telecommunications.

• D2. AI-Driven Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 5.0
  This topic focuses on AI-enabled innovation in digital and advanced manufacturing, including automation, process optimisation, additive manufacturing, and AI-driven discovery of bespoke materials. Research may explore integration of AI and IoT systems for intelligent, adaptive production environments, enhancing productivity, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance. Focus is on 3D printing.

• D3. AI for Health Equity and Digital Care Innovation
  Research into applied AI and digital technologies that improve healthcare delivery, equity, and patient engagement. Includes clinical natural language processing, predictive analytics for population health, AI in digital triage and telehealth, and responsible automation in health settings. Emphasis is on privacy-preserving methods, fairness across diverse populations, and interdisciplinary collaboration with public health, social work, and design.

• D4. Digital Innovation Creative Practice
  This topic focuses on advancing new models of transdisciplinary digital practice through collaboration with cultural institutions, studios, industry partners, and independent creatives. Researchers will develop proposals and projects within practice-led environments, co-creating digital works across interactive media, games, immersive experiences, and experimental platforms. The focus is on fostering equitable, resilient creative communities and enhancing digital ecosystems. Fellows will be based in RMIT’s Centre of Digital Ecosystems (CODE).

• D5. AI, Big Data Decision Intelligence in Business and Policy
  This topic examines how artificial intelligence and large-scale data analytics are transforming decision-making in corporate strategy, financial markets, and public policy. Research focuses on predictive modelling, algorithmic governance, and responsible deployment of AI-driven tools, with attention to transparency, fairness, and accountability.

• D6. Marketing Technology and Consumer Behaviour
  This topic explores advances in marketing technology, including AI-driven personalisation, programmatic advertising, and consumer data analytics, reshaping brand engagement and purchasing decisions. Research investigates ethical deployment of consumer data, effectiveness of digital marketing strategies, and psychological and behavioural dynamics underlying online consumption.

To be suitable for a Vice-Chancellor's Principal Research Fellowship, applicants must hold a PhD and it is expected that you will have an excellent track record and international recognition for undertaking high-quality research aligned with one or more of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas, contributing significantly to research outputs and translation, industry and public engagement, building capability of staff, promoting strong research performance, and above all, engaging in research which builds social, environmental and economic benefit and positive change in the world. You will have proven ability to provide research leadership, build teams, develop networks, and manage collaborative partnered research projects in a global environment.

If successful, you can expect:

• A Vice-Chancellor's Principal Research Fellowship for four years and salary commencing between Academic level D1-D4
• $40,000, per annum, research support funding for four years

Section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 permits the University to conduct female only recruitment in addressing the substantive imbalance of female representation in the following Schools:

• School of Engineering (Academic levels A-D)
• School of Design (Academic levels A-D)

To be suitable for a Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellowship, applicants must hold a PhD and it is expected that you will have an excellent track record and international recognition for undertaking high-quality research aligned with one or more of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas, contributing significantly to research outputs and translation, industry and public engagement, building capability of staff, promoting strong research performance, and above all, engaging in research which builds social, environmental and economic benefit and positive change in the world. You will have proven ability to provide research leadership, develop networks and manage collaborative partnered research projects in a global environment.

If successful, you can expect:

• A Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellowship for four years and salary commencing between Academic levels C1-C6
• $30,000, per annum, research support funding for four years

Section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 permits the University to conduct female only recruitment in addressing the substantive imbalance of female representation in the following Schools:

• School of Engineering (Academic levels A-D)
• School of Design (Academic levels A-D)

To be suitable for a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowship, applicants must hold a PhD and it is expected that you will have an emerging track record and a national reputation for undertaking high quality research aligned with one of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas. You will have proven capacity to plan and conduct high quality research, attract competitive funding, regularly disseminate outcomes, and have established national research networks.

If successful, you can expect:

• A Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowship for four years with a commencing salary between Academic levels B1-B6
• $20,000, per annum, research support funding for four years

Section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 permits the University to conduct female only recruitment in addressing the substantive imbalance of female representation in the following Schools:

• School of Engineering (Academic levels A-D)
• School of Design (Academic levels A-D)

Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are open to applicants who have completed their PhD within the last five years (Since 29 July 2021, excluding career interruptions). If you do not hold a PhD at the time of application your PhD must be awarded prior to an offer being made (approximately December 2026).

To be suitable for a Postdoctoral Fellowship, it is expected that you make significant contributions to one or more of RMIT’s Strategic research Priority Areas by engaging in high-quality research projects and producing high-quality outputs. The position will carry out team-based research projects, which will make a significant impact in the area of their specialisation and be influential in expanding the knowledge of their relevant discipline.

If successful, you can expect:

• A Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for three years with a commencing salary between Academic levels A6-B2 (Based on number of years since PhD conferral e.g: 1st year since PhD = A6; 2^nd year = A7, etc. up to 5^th year = B2)
• $10,000, per annum, research support funding for three years.
• An opportunity to significantly build your research track record and reputation, supported by training, development and mentorship

Section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 permits the University to conduct female only recruitment in addressing the substantive imbalance of female representation in the following Schools:

• School of Engineering (Academic levels A-D)
• School of Design (Academic levels A-D)

RMIT recruits with an emphasis on merit over quantity of output. Applicants will be invited to contribute a statement for consideration of achievement relative to research opportunity as part of the application process. The following are examples of significant career interruptions which may be considered:

• carer’s responsibilities
• parental leave
• illness

As part of your application for a fellowship, you will be asked to discuss your research achievements relative to opportunity.

Yes, you may apply, but your PhD must be awarded by the time offers will be extended to successful candidates (approximately December 2026). Successful candidates who are offered a position must be able to demonstrate they have met all the requirements for completion of their PhD program, be able to adopt the title of Doctor, and be able to produce a statement of academic completion upon request.

We are recruiting Principal Research Fellows (Academic levels D1-D4), Senior Research Fellows (Academic levels C1-C6), Research Fellows (Academic levels B1-B6), and Postdoctoral Research Fellows (Academic levels A6-B2) whose experience and expertise align with one or more of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority Areas and who meet the eligibility criteria.

Fellowships are not offered to RMIT employees who are already in ongoing roles.

A Postdoctoral academic level is calculated based on the number of years post PhD conferral, for example:

• First year since PhD = A6
• 2nd year = A7
• 3rd year = A8
• 4th year = B1
• 5th year = B2

To be eligible for a Postdoctoral Fellowship your PhD must have been awarded within the previous five years from the application closing date. This means have an award of PhD date on or after 29 July 2021. If you were awarded a PhD prior to 29 July 2021 but have experienced a period of career interruption that would be commensurate with an award of the PhD within the previous five years, you may still apply. If applicable, please provide your career interruption periods in the application form. This will enable us to assess your equivalent number of years since award of your PhD based on your career interruption.

Yes, you can apply for an RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowship while you hold an externally funded research fellowship such as an ARC DECRA or Future Fellowship. Please ensure that any external fellowships you hold are listed in your CV as part of your application.

No, you cannot apply for more than one Fellowship category at a time. You should establish which Fellowship category is most suited to you, considering the eligibility criteria in the position descriptions for each category, as well as your skills and experience and apply for that fellowship.

RMIT staff on Casual or Fixed-Term contracts who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible to apply. However, fellowships are not offered to RMIT employees who are already in ongoing roles. 

Yes, there is no limit on how many times you can apply for a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowship. If a previous application was unsuccessful and you have developed your academic track record and/or gained further experience since that application, RMIT encourages you to apply again.

Applications via our online, mobile friendly application portal, Vervoe, opens on 1 July 2026 and closes at 11:59am midday (AEST) on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. 

You will be asked:

• eligibility questions
• about your research and achievements
• detailed information about your career and any career interruptions
• to upload a current Curriculum Vitae
• to upload a short (3 minute) video

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview which may include a presentation to the selection panel. It is anticipated that interviews will take place during October 2026.

Interviews will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Reference checks and offers

Preferred candidates will be asked to provide details of two referees to our background checks verification partner, CVCheck, before a formal offer is made.

Assessors take into consideration:

• Research output relative to opportunity (ARtO);
• Alignment with one or more of RMIT’s Strategic Research Priority areas, RMIT’s values and vision; and
• Collaboration, communication, engagement and leadership skills.

Please refer to the selection criteria outlined in the position description for full details.

RMIT is committed to driving progression towards gender equality and ensuring the diversity in our organisation is balanced at every level.

RMIT proudly holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award for our commitment to improve gender equity and diversity.

All Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellows are hosted in one of RMIT's Schools within one of our three academic Colleges.

To address the under-representation of women, there are some Schools where we will only accept applications from women, including those who identify as women or are gender diverse. This condition currently applies to academic levels A-D in the following Schools:

• School of Engineering
• School of Design

Section 12 of the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 permits the University to conduct female only recruitment in addressing the substantive imbalance of female representation in the Schools listed above.

• Meet our Women in STEMM
• Learn more about diversity and inclusion at RMIT

All Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellows are hosted in one of RMIT’s Schools within one of our three academic Colleges, located in Melbourne.

Successful candidates will need to be located in Melbourne or within commutable distance from one of our Melbourne Campuses.

You can find more information about the Academic Colleges and Schools at RMIT Schools and Colleges website. 

You will be able to record your video directly within the question on Vervoe by simply clicking “RECORD VIDEO”. You can also record your video on your mobile device and upload to Vervoe.

In a video of 3 minutes or less, please describe the outcomes you aim to achieve from your research.

Some tips for nailing the video are:

• Test the equipment – check your microphone and camera before hand
• Lighting – position light sources in front to you
• Background – use a neutral background to avoid distractions
• Practice – practice what you will say to get comfortable talking to the screen
• Time management – use a timer and ensure your content is concise and you stick to the 3 minutes. If you exceed the time, the selection committee will not guarantee watching past this mark.

Please note you will be able to record and re-record as many times as you like before submitting.

Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellows are offered tailored professional development opportunities as part of their employment.

RMIT wants to ensure our people have the flexibility to take care of their life just as they take care of work. The University supports flexible work arrangements and will also consider requests for part-time positions.

How to calculate your Full Time Equivalent (FTE) for the application form:

• Calculate your contracted hours per week
• FTE uses the following measurements:
  • 1 day = 0.2 FTE
  • 2 days = 0.4 FTE
  • 3 days = 0.6 FTE
  • 4 Days = 0.8 FTE
  • 5 days = 1 FTE
• Take your FTE and multiply it by the number of months you worked at that FTE

This example illustrates a year worked at various FTE’s:

0.8 FTE for 4 months = 0.8 x 4 = 3.2 months
0.6 FTE for 6 months = 0.6 x 6 = 3.6 months
1 FTE for 2 months = 1 x 2 = 2 months
TOTAL = 3.2 + 3.6 + 2 = 8.8 months

Yes, RMIT values the Privacy of every individual and is committed to the responsible handling of personal information, for further details, see our Privacy Statement via the RMIT privacy website.

Successful candidates will need to be located in Melbourne or within commutable distance from one of our Melbourne Campuses.

No.

If you are offered a place in the Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellowship program, but are unable to participate, you will forfeit your place.  We will encourage you to apply again when the timing is suitable.

Include all funding where you were a named investigator (in any investigator role, not just as lead). You should not include funding where you were hired onto a project (e.g., as a research assistant), only include funding where you were part of the research team that received the funding.

Applications cannot be edited after submission. If you have made a significant error in your application, email us at researchfellowships@rmit.edu.au to discuss options.

If you are offered and commence a continuing position at RMIT before interview or offers are made, you are deemed ineligible.  Please notify us as soon as this happens at researchfellowships@rmit.edu.au

We are expecting successful candidates to commence their VC Fellowships in 2027.

You are welcome to reach out to relevant RMIT research leads or groups. However, there is no need to contact anyone or do anything outside of the application process.