McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships Scheme 2026 at University of Melbourne
Aspiring researchers and academic innovators, here’s your chance to fast-track your research career at one of the world’s leading universities. The McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships Scheme 2026 at the University of Melbourne is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for early career researchers across all disciplines.
This highly competitive fellowship offers not just generous funding, but a platform to grow as a research leader and develop new projects and collaborations in a thriving academic environment. Whether you’re a recent PhD graduate or a researcher returning after a career break, this opportunity could be your stepping stone to a prestigious research career.
What is the McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Launched in 2010, the McKenzie Fellowship is the flagship postdoctoral program at the University of Melbourne. It is part of the Early Career Researcher Fellowships (ECRF) Selection Process, which also includes the Mary Lugton and Puzey Fellowships. Fellows are supported in producing cutting-edge research while contributing to the university’s broader research objectives and community.
Benefits of the UoM Fellowship 2026
- Up to 16 Fellowships will be awarded for 2026 entry.
- 3 years of full-time research (1.0 FTE) at Academic Level A6 with full salary, on-costs, and superannuation.
- One-time research support grant of up to $25,000 funded by the host faculty.
- Mentorship and academic support through a dedicated Academic Contact.
- Dedicated support for Indigenous researchers and those who contribute to diversity and equity in research.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2025 round (for a 2026 start), applicants must:
- Have a PhD from any university (including the University of Melbourne), awarded on or after 17 March 2022.
- Be able to commence by 30 June 2026.
- Not have previously completed a McKenzie, Mary Lugton, Puzey, or Melbourne Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- Have no outstanding final or progress reports from prior University of Melbourne research programs.
If your PhD was awarded before 17 March 2022, you may still apply by submitting an Eligibility Exemption Request (EER) due to career interruptions or exceptional circumstances.
Fellowships Program Structure
- Stage 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SmartyGrants (using the portal link for your faculty).
- Stage 2: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a Full Application with additional documents and referee testimonials.
You must secure an Academic Contact at the University of Melbourne, who will endorse your application and support you through the process.
Program Timeline and Free Webinar
- 27 March 2025 (10:00 AEST): McKenzie Fellowships Info Webinar (Register here)
- 24 April 2025 (15:00 AEST): Deadline to submit EOIs and EERs via SmartyGrants.
- 9 July 2025: EOI outcomes announced; shortlisted candidates invited to submit full applications.
- 30 July 2025: Final date to submit full applications and send referee testimonials.
- October 2025: Notification of results.
- By 30 June 2026: Fellows must commence.