Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Impact Fellowship (VCRIF) – Research Fellowship Opportunity
Victoria University
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
General Description
The Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Impact Fellowship (VCRIF) scheme, established in 2025 by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker at Victoria University, is a prestigious initiative designed to attract and support high-performing researchers through a competitive selection process. The program aligns with the university’s strategic vision (2022–2028) to become a global leader in dual-sector research and learning, with a strong focus on delivering impactful, world-leading research that benefits people, place, and planet.
The fellowship aims to advance research excellence and innovation by recruiting outstanding researchers whose work aligns with Victoria University’s key thematic research areas. Fellows are expected to lead impactful research addressing critical global challenges through collaboration, ethical inquiry, and strong engagement.
This is a full-time, fixed-term fellowship position. Each selected fellow will receive an annual research support allowance for the duration of the fellowship. This funding supports a wide range of research-related activities, including research assistance, travel and fieldwork, conference participation, consumables and equipment, collaboration and engagement initiatives, and knowledge translation and publication costs. Funding is allocated annually and administered through the host college or institute in accordance with university policies.
The 2026 round follows a three-stage application process beginning with an Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted via the SmartyGrants platform. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a full application and participate in a two-stage interview process. Successful candidates are expected to commence their fellowships in Quarter 1, 2027.
[Eligibility Criteria]
Applicants must be high-performing researchers capable of contributing to Victoria University’s strategic ambition in research and innovation. Candidates must demonstrate alignment with the university’s research thematic areas and a strong track record of impactful research.
Applicants who currently hold another research fellowship are eligible to apply; however, they must clearly disclose details of their existing fellowship, including funding body, duration, and research allocation, within their application.
[Required expertise/skills]
Demonstrated excellence in research with a strong publication and impact record
יכולת to conduct innovative, ethical, and collaborative research addressing critical challenges
Experience in securing research funding and managing research projects
Strong engagement, communication, and knowledge translation capabilities
Alignment with institutional research priorities and thematic areas
Salary details
Not explicitly specified. Fellows receive an annual research support allowance covering research-related expenses throughout the fellowship duration.
Application Deadline
Expression of Interest (EOI) closes: 30 April 2026 (5:00 PM AEST)
Full application deadline (for shortlisted candidates): 10 June 2026 (3:00 PM AEST)