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The Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (DUPRF) are a strategic initiative aimed at fostering research excellence and innovation. These fellowships are designed to support outstanding early career researchers identified as potential leaders in their fields. By investing in the next generation of academic talent, Deakin aims to expand its capacity and impact across its five interconnected research strengths.
Previously known as the Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, the DUPRF program targets high-achieving researchers to enhance capability in key research domains and build a globally competitive research community.
Fellowship Objectives and Scope
The DUPRF supports researchers who have completed a PhD on or after 1 January 2022. Consideration is also given to applicants whose PhD completion falls outside this timeframe but includes approved career interruptions that align with the eligibility window. Fellows will be hosted by a faculty, school, institute, or centre within Deakin University that best matches their research interests.
The fellowship offers up to three years of salary support, ranging from Level A, Step 6 to the top of Level B, depending on experience. For international applicants, continuation into the third year is subject to visa compliance. In addition to salary, successful fellows will receive a one-time research support grant of $15,000 to be used for direct project-related research costs. Eligible expenses include consumables, research-specific equipment, specialised computing resources, and approved domestic or international travel.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Tuesday, 1 July 2025
- Applications Close: 11:55pm, Sunday, 10 August 2025 (AEST)
- Outcome Notifications: From November 2025
Application Process
To apply, applicants must download and read the 2026 Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Guidelines, including the Instructions and Conditions of Award. A clear understanding of the application requirements is essential for eligibility.
Prospective applicants must engage early with a relevant faculty, school, institute, or centre at Deakin and identify a potential academic supervisor. The supervisor’s support is mandatory and must be documented in a formal Supervisor Support Statement, which is to be attached to the application.
The following documents are required for a complete application:
- Top 5 Publications
A detailed overview of the applicant’s most impactful publications, patents, or NTROs from the last five years. Each entry must outline the applicant’s role, contribution, impact on the field, citation metrics, and journal impact factor (if applicable). - Supervisor Support Statement
A completed form from the proposed supervisor addressing the quality of the research proposal and outlining how the supervisor intends to support the fellow. - Summary of Experience and Contributions
A one-page overview highlighting major research contributions, relevant expertise, supervisory experience, and career goals, adhering to formatting guidelines. - Full Research Project Proposal
A five-page collaborative proposal detailing project aims, background, significance, methodology, expected outcomes, and how the project aligns with Deakin’s research strengths. - Curriculum Vitae and Publication List
To be uploaded as a single PDF document, not exceeding eight pages.
Evidence of PhD Conferral
Official documentation such as a testamur or a formal institutional letter confirming PhD completion by 31 December 2025.
Evidence of Career Interruptions (if applicable)
A statutory declaration outlining relevant career interruptions, along with a completed career interruption calculator form.
Additional Resources
- Career Interruptions Calculator: Applicants requiring clarification of eligibility due to career interruptions may request access to this tool by contacting the fellowship team.
- Faculty and Institute Contacts: Prospective applicants are encouraged to search Deakin’s contact directory to find a suitable supervisor aligned with their research interests.
- Deakin’s Research Strengths: The university’s strategic focus spans five key research strengths, supporting interdisciplinary innovation and addressing global challenges.
Contact and Further Information
For further details, access to guidelines, or application support, applicants should visit the Deakin University website or contact the fellowship team directly via email.
FAQs
1: Who is eligible for the Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 (DUPRF)?
Applicants must hold a PhD awarded on or after 1 January 2022, or have an equivalent conferral date when adjusted for permissible career interruptions like parental leave or medical issues (Deakin University). Domestic and international candidates can apply, though international fellows must meet visa requirements for the option of a full third year (Deakin University).
2: What benefits and funding does the DUPRF 2026 award provide?
The DUPRF 2026 offers up to three years of salary support, starting at Level A Step 6 and progressing up to Level B, depending on experience (Deakin University). Additionally, fellows receive a one-time AUD 15,000 Research Support Grant for project expenses such as equipment, consumables, or permitted travel (Deakin University).
3: What documents are required in the application package?
Required materials include:
- Top 5 publications or NTROs within the last five years, with details on citations and impact;
- A Supervisor Support Statement confirming your intended host;
- A one-page Summary of Experience and Contributions;
- A full Research Proposal (max five pages);
- An 8-page maximum CV with publication list;
- Proof of PhD conferral or expected completion by 31 December 2025;
- Evidence of career interruptions, if applicable, supported by a statutory declaration (Deakin University).
4: What is the application timeline and key deadlines for DUPRF 2026?
Applications open on 1 July 2025 and close at 11:55 pm AEST on 10 August 2025 (Deakin University). Shortlisted candidates may undertake interviews, and informal offers begin in November 2025, with formal employment contracts issued shortly thereafter. Eligible fellows must commence between 5 January and 31 March 2026 (Deakin University).
5: Can I apply to DUPRF 2026 if I’ve already received another fellowship?
Yes, you may apply even if you have applied for other funding, as long as you declare all existing grants on your application form. However, you cannot hold DUPRF concurrently with another full-time fellowship. If awarded both, you’ll need to relinquish one and disclose all details transparently (Deakin University).
