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

Regenerative futures moves knowledges and practices beyond a sustainability framing to advance and accelerate societal efforts to restore, renew, reconstruct and revitalise human, ecological and material systems for inhabitable planetary futures. At RMIT researchers are building visionary inter-disciplinary approaches to regenerative futures across the fields of technology, design, enterprise and society. The effort is oriented towards inclusion and justice, located in places on First Nations country, and centred on collaboration and partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Such collaborative approaches imply new approaches to local and planetary civics that can transform the structures and processes that shape how we govern our entangled planet.

• (R1). Regenerative Fashion Systems
  We are seeking a research leader to lead research that contributes to systemic change towards textiles and clothing regenerative futures. Able to work across disciplines from social science and policy, STEM and design/creative practice, and develop evidence-based solutions for the fashion and textile sector to transition toward sustainable, restorative, and resilient supply chains. This includes governance systems based on mutually beneficial relationships and reciprocity, alternatives to extractive economic models, and frameworks that recognise the interconnection between human and ecological systems.

• (R2). Public Policy Modelling
  We are seeking a dynamic and driven researcher with expertise in epidemiology, systems modelling, and policy scenario simulation to strengthen RMIT's capability across disciplines in biomedical and health innovation and social change.  This role will contribute to innovative projects at the intersection of public policy and social justice. With a strong foundation in quantitative and computational methods and experience applying systems thinking to complex health and social challenges, the Fellow will be responsible for designing policy models, analysing data, and translating findings into policy-relevant insights.

• (R3). Regenerative Low-Cost Renewables
  This high-priority topic is focused on energy microgrid expertise for urban futures and sustainable technology and systems. We are seeking a researcher with experience of designing and managing microgrid application in low-income contexts and/or across the Pacific/global south. The expertise sought will be applicable to a wide range of electrification and grid decarbonisation needs, including across urban and regional contexts, working in interdisciplinary teams with electrical and civil engineers, social scientists, construction managers, and building scientists.

• (R4). Regenerative Design and Urban Governance
  This high-priority topic is focused on research excellence in design leadership, including design for social innovation, entrepreneurialism and innovation management for regenerative futures. With a disciplinary base in design, thematic areas of focus will be design-led innovation, entrepreneurialism, the creative economy, public policy and governance for regenerative futures. This includes environmental, social and economic impacts of the creative economy, and could include relationships to Indigenous sovereignties and Treaty-making.  Alternatively, applicants focused on research excellence in questions of climate justice and urban governance are welcome.

• (R5). Regenerative Food Technologies - Sustainable Production from Soil to System
  Based in RMIT's Food and Nutrition Innovation hub, the focus of this high-priority topic is on applying physical sciences and Engineering principles to revolutionise food production in a sustainable approach. Research includes the development of precision fermentation; precision farming enabled by advanced sensing technologies and robotics; food ingredient characterisation and recovery; use of AI systems in food product innovation; sustainable nutrient cycling systems and bioprocessing. With an emphasis on science, biophysics, and nutrition, projects could investigate how to design and deploy scalable food production technologies that reduce environmental degradation, promote biodiversity enhancement, improve consumer nutrition, increase resilience to climate stressors, or promote closed-loop systems for nutrient and energy flows. This includes perspectives on Australian, Vietnam and ASEAN food systems.  The goal is to build regenerative food technology systems that are advanced, ecologically harmonious, restorative, and resilient in the face of global change.

• (R6). Circular Engineering - Designing for a Regenerative Economy
  This high-priority topic aims to develop engineering solutions that support a circular economy, minimising waste, and promoting the continual use of resources. Research may involve designing products and systems for disassembly and reuse, developing sustainable materials, creating technologies that facilitate resource recovery and recycling, implementing green processes, and applying modular construction techniques for adaptable systems. The goal is to engineer systems that not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to economic regeneration.

• (R7). Clean Energy Materials and Devices - Engineering the Transition to Net-Zero
  This high-priority topic is focused on research in next generation energy materials and device architectures for renewable generation, storage, and conversion. Projects may focus on thin-film photovoltaics, solid-state batteries, hydrogen production via electrolysis, or thermoelectric systems, power electronics for renewable energy systems (including offshore renewable energy systems like wind platforms and floating solar arrays), intelligent control for smart grids and resilient microgrids, and materials/strategies for the electrification of transport and industry. With foundations in materials engineering, nanotechnology, and applied physics, the goal is to accelerate the energy transition through scalable, efficient, and circular energy solutions that regenerate rather than deplete planetary systems.

• (R8). Next-Generation Materials and Infrastructure for Climate Resilience and Resource Recovery
  This high-priority topic focuses on engineering future-ready infrastructure and materials systems that are both climate-adaptive and resource-efficient. Research may involve the development of infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events such as flood-resistant buildings, fire-resistant buildings, thermally adaptive materials, carbon-sequestering materials, and resilient transport systems, alongside technologies that convert industrial byproducts like construction waste, electronic waste, and agricultural residues into high-performance materials. Projects may span advanced manufacturing, chemical processing, and materials engineering to enhance durability, reduce environmental impact, and build robust systems that support sustainable development in the face of climate disruption.

• (R9). Resilience and Security in the South Pacific
  This high-priority topic is focused on the Melanesia region and specifically on regional security issues through the lens of sustainable/regenerative development, climate resilience, indigenous sovereignty, and/or social security. This is part of a new initiative, and the successful Fellow will work directly with leading researchers in the field, across disciplines of climate science, political science, and social science.

Medical technologies are revolutionising health outcomes and health expectations.  RMIT leads, and is investing in, areas including better disease diagnosis via advances in imaging, biosensors and biomarkers, as well as harnessing state-of-the-art smart materials such as optoelectronics, new bioinformatics and digital health AI-enabled tools.  

We are also engaging nanotechnology for health in areas ranging from nutrition to cancer, supporting community health across the lifespan. In all these areas, RMIT has a deep commitment to ensuring medical technologies are designed to make a practical contribution to clinical outcomes and health providers, supported by our range of partnerships and co-location initiatives with major hospitals, health providers, and community organisations.  

RMIT also has its own supporting infrastructure including the Micro Nano Research Facility (MNRF), Advanced Manufacturing Precinct (including digital manufacturing), and The Victorian Medical Device Prototyping and Scale-Up Facility – Discovery to Device, and the Accelerator for Translational Research in Clinical Trials (ATRACT) Centre, central to human clinical trials in cancer, ageing and infectious diseases with collaborators Australia-wide.  

Across these diverse areas we need committed and innovative researchers to drive forward our research strategy for impact, and that build on collaborative initiatives with strategic research partners such as the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), and Northern Health.  As well as specialised expertise, this theme further encourages applicants with effective biological data analysis and integration capabilities including bioinformatics, multi-omics and, where relevant, AI and biostatistics. 
 
RMIT is seeking to build and enhance our research and innovation capability in MedTech in the following areas:

• (M1). Medical Discovery through Medical Technology Innovation
  We are seeking researchers who are focused on Medical technology Innovation and support RMIT’s strategic participation as a member of the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD). Fellows will preferably have networks with key ACMD partners spanning St Vincent’s Hospital, the University of Melbourne, Swinburne University of Technology, Centre for Eye Research, and/or the Bionics Institute. Fellows should have a history of medical technology research outputs that align to gaps in RMIT in capability and the strategic agenda of ACMD. Fellows will have strong engineering design, systems integration, bioinformatics or computational modelling, or medical device development expertise to address ACMD's strategic agenda.

• (M2). Cancer and Ageing
  This high-priority topic aligns with RMIT's biomedical innovation capabilities and focuses on leading edge fundamental science able to be translated into medical technology discoveries, and clinical practice for people with, or at risk of, developing malignant disease. It also includes the applications of technology for longevity, healthy aging, remote monitoring, and independent living. This theme further encourages applicants with effective biological data analysis and integration capabilities including bioinformatics, multi-omics and, where relevant, AI or biostatistics.

• (M3). Infection Detection and Immune Monitoring
  This high-priority topic focuses on bioengineering and innovative biomarker platforms for rapid, point-of-care detection of infectious agents and immune system changes. It includes microfluidic systems, optical or electrochemical biosensors, biomarker discovery and deployable diagnostics for use in clinical, remote, or emergency settings. Emphasis on novel transduction mechanisms, advanced signal processing for enhanced sensitivity/specificity, systems integration of sensor arrays, and big-data bioinformatics and AI-driven diagnostic algorithms from sensor data.

• (M4). Digital Design and Additive Manufacturing for the Next-generation Biomedical Implants
  This high-priority topic focuses on the application of advanced digital design, modelling, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies to develop next-generation biomedical implants. Research may involve the use of bioinspired design principles, the integration and engineering application of smart or responsive materials within implantable systems, and patient-specific modelling to create customisable, high-performance implants for orthopaedic, dental, cardiovascular, or reconstructive applications.

Digital innovation is pivotal to our shared digital futures. Emerging digital technologies have created new businesses, pushed automation deep into economic administration and operations, and disrupted industries and ways of working. RMIT is deeply involved in shaping this digital future. We have national leadership in digital technologies for artificial intelligence, information retrieval, digital design, and digital manufacturing, coupled with a focus on human behaviour, digital harms reduction, digital care technologies, enhancing security and resilience with digital technologies, and digital technologies in education.  

In a future where businesses, governments, and citizens interact in previously unimagined ways, RMIT’s commitment is to advance world-leading and multidisciplinary digital innovation research for a prosperous and secure digital future.   
   
As part of our research strategy for impact, RMIT is building on our existing world class research capability in digital innovation by identifying established and emerging research leaders with the capability to enhance Digital Innovation in the following high-priority topics: 

• (D1). EdTech
  This high-priority topic is focused on digital applications, distributed learning platforms, AI, gamification, interactive learning, virtual classrooms, learning analytics, virtual and augmented reality, and digital resources. Fellows will lead research that intersects EdTech and best practices in learning and teaching, and on digital literacy in early childhood and/or school-based settings, including cybersecurity awareness and digital empowerment.

• (D2).  Digital Harms Reduction
  This high-priority topic is focused on critical issues in digital harms (e.g., abuse, disinformation, technology-facilitated violence, doxxing, scams, etc.) in relation to platform governance/policy, user wellbeing, digital literacy education and/or digital cultures. Fellows will have strong track records in this topic and will be working with experts on digital and mobile culture, policy and user experience based in the Digital Ethnography Research Centre. Humanities and social science-based approaches to how information and communication technologies shape public perception is encouraged.

• (D3).  Regenerative Digital Design
  This high-priority topic is focused on research that advances regenerative topics with simulation, virtual environments, digital twins, AI, and digital design. We are seeking researchers who are eager to collaborate with teams of designers and developers working on dynamic modelling systems in the Centre of Digital Ecosystems to test the effectiveness of intervention strategies within ecosystems shaped by complex social, technical, governmental, and environmental challenges.

• (D4).  AI-Driven Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 5.0
  This high-priority topic focuses on AI-enabled innovation in digital and advanced manufacturing, including automation, robotics, process optimisation, additive manufacturing, and the development of bespoke polymers and composites with superior performance and durability, application of Machine Learning (ML) for manufacturing, and the development of datasets for materials and industrial informatics. Research may also explore the integration of AI and IoT systems to enable intelligent, adaptive production environments—enhancing productivity, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance across sectors such as automotive, mining, sustainable energy, agriculture, aviation, and space.

• (D5).  Electrical and Electronic Engineering for Breakthrough Research
  Electrical and Electronic Engineering plays a pivotal role in reliable intelligent energy systems and advancing core digital innovation and breakthrough research by developing cutting-edge technologies such as integrated circuits, sensors, and communication systems that enable faster, more efficient data processing and transmission. These fields drive progress in smart grids, renewable energy integration, power systems, intelligent control and microgrid technologies fostering new discoveries and technological solutions that propel industries and society toward a more connected, sustainable, and innovative future.
  
  Furthermore, electronic and photonic engineering underpin emerging fields like AI for engineering, quantum engineering, 6G and space communication engineering, edge and embedded engineering, sensors and sensing technologies, electronic surveillance, fostering transformative solutions across industries including power, telecommunications, AI and defence systems. Continuous research and development in this domain drive the creation of smarter, more sustainable and breakthrough technological ecosystems, pushing the boundaries of what is practically achievable and accelerating the digital transformation landscape.

• (D6). Digital Twins for Disaster Management and National Security
  Aligning with the security and resilience innovation hub, this high-priority topic focuses on the development of advanced digital twin technologies to simulate, monitor, and respond to critical events in real time. Engineering research may include AI-enabled sensing systems, multi-modal sensor fusion (e.g. RF, optical, acoustic, hyperspectral), and cyber-physical integration for robust environment modelling. Key capabilities include edge-triggered sensing, secure distributed architectures, and radio-based localisation for real-time infrastructure and asset tracking. Applications span emergency response, infrastructure resilience, environmental monitoring, and national security planning, including satellite-enabled visibility for remote or at-risk regions and the modelling of advanced aerial transportation systems.

• (D7) AI for Health Equity and Digital Care Innovation
  Research into applied AI and digital technologies that improve healthcare delivery, equity, and patient engagement. This includes clinical natural language processing (NLP), predictive analytics for population health, AI in digital triage and telehealth, and responsible automation in health settings. Emphasis on privacy-preserving methods, fairness across diverse populations, and interdisciplinary collaboration with public health, social work, and design.

To be suitable for a Vice-Chancellor's Principal Research Fellowship, 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.
• One PhD Scholarship

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 Computing Technologies (academic levels A-D)
• 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 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 Computing Technologies (academic levels A-D)
• School of Engineering (academic levels A-D)
• School of Design (academic levels A-D)

To be suitable for a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowship, 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 Computing Technologies (academic levels A-D)
• 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 30 July 2020 , 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 2025).

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 Computing Technologies (academic levels A-D)
• 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 2025). 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.

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 30 July 2020. If you were awarded a PhD prior to 30 July 2020 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 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 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, RMIT staff members already in an ongoing position are not eligible to apply for a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellowship.

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 2025 and closes at 11:59am midday (AEST) on 30 July 2025. 

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 2025.

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;
• 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 has joined the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena SWAN Program to support gender equity and diversity in our organisation. This program promotes women’s career development and provides support to encourage staff success.

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

Female only recruitment conditions

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 in STEMM, 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 Computing Technologies
• 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

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. 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.

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, you will need to submit a new application in Vervoe and then email us at researchfellowships@rmit.edu.au to remove the incorrect application.

We are expecting successful candidates to commence their Fellowships during the first quarter of 2026.

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.