Research Fellow

Footscray, Australia

Job Info

• Job Identification 17962
• Job Category Academic (research focused)
• Posting Date 05/21/2026, 03:23 AM
• Locations Footscray Park
• Apply Before 06/14/2026, 07:00 AM
• Job Schedule Part time

Job Description

• Exciting new research opportunity within our Institute for Health and Sport (IHES)
• Join our collaborative and supportive research team
• Located at our Footscray Park campus

About VU: At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impact‑driven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne’s west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model®, dual‑sector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a values‑led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

About the Team: The Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS) is one of two Research Institutes at VU. We take a transformative, future-focussed, “whole-of-University” approach, undertaking research into issues of global significance in Health and Sport.

IHES research is part of the VUs whole-of-university effort to prioritise solutions that are locally anchored or ‘place-based’ to ensure sustainability. IHES research addresses the United Nations Social Development Goals #3 Good Health and Wellbeing; #5 Gender Equality; #10 Reduced Inequalities; #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; and #17 Partnerships. Our research contributes to the Key Thematic Areas in VU Research and Impact of Health, Sport & Wellness; First Nations Knowledge; New Generation Skills and Workforce Impact; Green Research Translation; and New Frontiers in policy, advocacy and justice

About the Role: We are seeking a skilled and passionate post-doctoral researcher to progress the understanding of the role of exercise as medicine and provide academic research excellence in the NHMRC-funded project “Discovering the neuroprotective potential of exercise in individuals with Motor Neuron Disease”. This project aims to discover if carefully prescribed exercise can slow the neurodegeneration in people with MND, by evaluating its effects at multiple levels (brain, spinal cord, muscle) of the motor system.

The Research Fellow will ensure that the project is conducted to the highest standard. The position will be based at Victoria University’s IHES facility at Footscray Park but may also require travel to other campuses.

Position Key Duties:

• Undertake quality academic research, typically in collaboration with research students and/or research staff.
• Publish papers, articles and reports in high-impact academic journals, including journals, and conference proceedings.
• Assist with supervision of research undergraduate/interns, honours, Masters, and PhD students working on individual or group projects.
• Prepare and submit external grant applications, and develop external research collaborations and partnerships.

Position Details:

Classification: Research Level B

Salary: $113,221 per annum (pro-rata) – 134,449 per annum (pro-rata)

Employment Type: Part Time Fixed Term (12 months)

Hours per Week: 29.4 (0.8 FTE)

Location: Footscray Park

For a detailed overview of the role’s duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Research Fellow Position Description

About You: We are looking for a motivated Research Fellow with a strong background in exercise physiology, medicine, physiotherapy, or a related discipline.

You will be a collaborative and independent researcher with excellent communication skills, the ability to lead and contribute to interdisciplinary research, and a passion for translating exercise science into real-world clinical impact.

The successful applicant will have:

• A PhD or equivalent research higher degree in an area of exercise physiology, medicine, physiotherapy, or cognate discipline.
• AEP (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) status with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA)
• Highly developed organisational skills and demonstrated project management skills.
• Strong interest in research related to “exercise is medicine” and experience working with clinical populations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent research publication record.
• Capacity to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment and contribute to the work of the research team.

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

Who to Contact? For further information relating to the position, please contact:

Name: Alessandra Ferri

Position Title: Associate Professor, Clinical Exercise Science

Email: Alessandra.Ferri@vu.edu.au

How to Apply: To submit your application please click on the Apply button.

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

• A cover letter
• Your curriculum vitae/resume
• Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description
• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration

Applications will close June 14th at 5pm. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Why Join VU: VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. University fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment: Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all—embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio‑economic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier‑free recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at inclusivecareers@vu.edu.au or (03) 9919 5999.

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