Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellowship Scheme

Applications for the 2024 round will be accepted from late 2023. We strongly encourage interested applicants to apply for a scholarship and a place in RMIT's PhD program.

The RMIT Indigenous Doctoral Fellowship scheme forms part of RMIT’s commitment to providing Indigenous researchers early career opportunities.

Successful applicants receive:

• A Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship for four years (flexible work options, including part-time arrangements are available for the successful applicants)
• Academic Level A commencing salary
• Training, development and mentorship through the early career researcher’s development program, which supports researchers to build their research track record and reputation.
• A place in RMIT’s PhD program

As part of the Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellowship scheme, you will:

• Conduct research under supervision towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in a chosen discipline and undertake all necessary coursework requirements
• Complete all requisite milestones appropriate to a PhD candidature
• Undertake limited engagement, teaching and supervision activities as required
• Undertake appropriate professional and academic development in support of PhD, teaching and supervision duties.

We’re looking for Indigenous people who are committed to a career in Higher Education: switched-on, collaborative and curious thinkers who have the inspiration, drive and ideas to change Australia – and the world – for the better.

At RMIT we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive workplace where you are welcomed and can belong. We empower you through innovative learning opportunities, flexible workplace practices, embracing employee networks and respecting what makes you, you.

We’re proud to share with you:

• The launch of our second Reconciliation Action Plan for Dhumbah Goorowa– a “commitment to share” - an important step in our reconciliation journey.
• RMIT University is an Athena SWAN member and the College of Science, Engineering and Health is central to driving improvements in gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
• We were named as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in 2022.
• We achieved Platinum Employer status for LGBTIQ inclusion in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) in 2019, 2020 and now 2021.
• We were recognised as a leading organisation and platinum employer in 2020-2021 for workplace accessibility with the Australian Network on Disability.

To be eligible for admission to an RMIT University research program, applicants must meet the minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
• A master’s degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master’s degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
• Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

The Indigenous Doctoral Fellowship is an identified opportunity under ‘Special Measures’ of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010. This means that only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is required once an offer has been made.

Applications for the 2024 round will be accepted from late 2023. We strongly encourage interested applicants to apply for a scholarship and a place in RMIT's PhD program.

If you require support or have questions not answered in the applicant guide, please contact the recruitment team at VCIPFS@rmit.edu.au.

Support for Indigenous staff and students

• Indigenous Applicants
• Ngarara Willim

RMIT’s commitment to Australian Indigenous cultures

• Reconciliation at RMIT
• Respect for Australian Indigenous Cultures

Applications for the 2024 round will be accepted from late 2023. We strongly encourage interested applicants to apply for a scholarship and a place in RMIT's PhD program.

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