2026 Early Career Researcher Fellowships (Commencing 2027) - McKenzie | Mary Lugton | Puzey Postdoctoral Fellowships

2026 Early Career Researcher Fellowships (Commencing 2027)

McKenzie | Mary Lugton | Puzey Postdoctoral Fellowships

The University of Melbourne invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the 2026 Early Career Researcher Fellowships, with appointments commencing in 2027. This annual round encompasses three competitive schemes: the McKenzie, Mary Lugton, and Puzey Postdoctoral Fellowships.

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP SCHEMES

McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowships

The McKenzie scheme supports outstanding early-career researchers and offers up to sixteen fellowships per year, with at least two reserved for Indigenous researchers.

Mary Lugton Postdoctoral Fellowships

This year, the scheme supports outstanding early‑career researchers specifically in the fields of Science and Engineering, enabling them to build research momentum and establish the foundations for long‑term academic careers.

Puzey Postdoctoral Fellowships

In 2026, this scheme supports Australian early‑career researchers who aspire to pursue research careers within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT).

FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS

• Three-year full-time appointment at Level A.6 plus superannuation
• Up to $25,000 in project funding
• Access to mentoring and ECR development programs
• Commencement between 4 January and 30 June 2027

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

General Eligibility

• Applicants must have completed all PhD requirements in a discipline relevant to their application from a university in any country, including Australia and the University of Melbourne no later than 7 May 2026.
• PhD requirements must be completed by the EOI no earlier than 1 April 2023.
• Current UoM academic staff may apply if casual, fixed-term, or CRC.

An EOI will not be accepted if applicants have not met the PhD requirements by the EOI closing date.

Mary Lugton Additional Eligibility

• Must be an active researcher in Science or Engineering

Puzey Additional Eligibility

• Must be an Australian citizen and resident in Australia
• Must be interested in employment in FEIT

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS (see the Early Career Researcher Fellowship Guidelines for details)

• This is a two-stage application process: Stage 1. EOI, and Stage 2. Full Application by invitation only.
• Applicants must identify an Academic Contact from their intended faculty to support their application.
• Applicants must discuss their interest with the relevant faculty prior to submitting an EOI.
• Applicants invited to complete the application require 2 reference letters.

Please ensure to put your application through via this link.

Note that applications will not be accepted if not applied via the above link through SmartyGrants.

KEY DATES

• 7 May 2026 – Expressions of Interest close
• 22 July 2026 – Shortlisted EOIs invited to full application and Unsuccessful applicants notified.
• 19 August 2026 – Full applications due