Vice Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow
Royal Melbourne Institute of TechnologyOverview:
Available only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Candidates
4 year fixed term contract at Academic level A (full time position)
Flexible working, 10 days cultural leave, study support from the Indigenous Research Network and the Ngarara Willim Centre
The Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) Scheme is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher degree research candidates seeking to evolve as researchers through embarking on a PhD.
All information on the Research Projects, the PD, eligibility criteria and to apply for the EOI please go here: Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme - RMIT University
https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers/vice-chancellors-indigenous-doctoral-fellowship-scheme
About the VCIDF scheme
The RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow (VCIDF) scheme supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars to lead research that shapes knowledge, communities, and institutions. It responds to national priorities to boost Indigenous participation, retention, and success in higher education, as outlined in the Universities Australia Indigenous Strategy and the Australian Universities Accord.
By investing in Indigenous-led research from the very start of the academic journey, RMIT's VCIDF scheme ensures fellows can set their own research agendas, advance Indigenous knowledges, and influence institutional culture. Aligned with RMIT’s ‘Grow Our Own’ strategy, the scheme provides structured early-career pathways, combining mentorship, professional development, and cohort-based support to tackle barriers like isolation, underrepresentation, and limited tailored guidance.
Through the VCIDF scheme, RMIT is helping meet national targets for Indigenous HDR enrolments and completions, while fostering long-term academic leadership and research excellence.
The scheme is offered under the ‘Special Measures’ provision of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010 and is open exclusively to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is required once an offer is made.
Hear RMIT's current VC Indigenous Doctoral Fellows talk about the scheme and their experience:
Eligibility Requirements Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Doctoral Fellow Scheme - RMIT University
Please submit your EOI here via our Study Link system RMIT Apply Online - Register or Login
Please contact the VCIDF recruitment team at VCIDF@rmit.edu.au for further information or queries.
Thank you and we are really looking forward to seeing your application and kickstarting your academic career !
Applications close September 30th 2025, with the scheme starting in Feb/March 2026
Applications Close:
29 Sept 2025 11.59 pmRMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.
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