Research Excellence Fellowships
Research Excellence Fellows will join a dynamic research community committed to delivering bold solutions for a better world.
Successful applicants will work within strong research teams to help accelerate innovation, excellence and impact.
Fellows will be expected to conduct research of national and international standing, produce high-quality research outputs, pursue and secure competitive external research funding, mentor higher degree by research (HDR) candidates, and engage successfully with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Up to six fellowships will be awarded in 2026, with successful applicants joining one of nine University research centres or programs.
Open to Level B to D academics.
- Level B: Early-career academic (0 to 5 years post PhD)
- Level C: Mid-career academic with significant postdoctoral experience (5 to10 years post PhD)
- Level D: Senior academics with extensive research track record
The level of appointment will be determined by the selection committee based on track record and experience.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must hold a PhD and demonstrate a track record of research excellence in their field. For Level B applicants only, applicants must be near completing or have completed their PhD within the last five years.
Applicants must be available to attend a face-to-face interview in Newcastle, Australia in June 2026 and be willing to relocate to the Newcastle area if awarded a Fellowship.
Successful fellows are expected to submit a competitive external fellowship application within the first 12 to 18 months in the role.
Includes salary for a full-time, three-year fixed-term appointment, with a possible fourth year subject to performance.
One-off startup funding of $50,000 will be provided to advance research linked to the chosen research centre or program.
A relocation package will be offered to successful applicants who need to relocate to Newcastle for the role.
Visa costs will be covered by the University if applicable.
Select the ‘Apply now’ link under the research centre or program you’re interested in to see the application requirements.
Carefully review and/or complete the following items to ensure your application is compliant:
- Position Statement
- Information for Applicants
- Application Form.
Be sure to upload the following with your application:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 10 pages)
- Full publications list (to be included as an appendix to your CV).
Submit your application online before Monday 13 April 2026 11:59pm (AEST).
One application per individual. Applicants can only apply for one hosted research centre or program.
Applications must be submitted online via the University’s application portal before the submission deadline. Incomplete and/or late applications will be not considered.
| Applications open | Monday 9 March 2026 |
| Applications close | Monday 13 April 2026 11:59pm AEST |
| Initial online interviews | May 2026 |
| In-person interviews and presentations in Newcastle, Australia | Mid-June 2026 |
| Offers made | July 2026 |
Host centres and programs
Our research excellence is driven by a network of research centres and flagship research institutes, including the Hunter Medical Research Institute, the Institute for Regional Futures and the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources.
Research Excellence Fellows will join one of nine research centres or institute programs.
Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies
Our researchers are known for combining research and academic excellence with unparalleled industry engagement. As a Fellow, you will help deliver transformative solutions in conveyor technologies, storage systems and flow optimisation to support critical minerals, particle mechanics and next-generation handling technologies.
Centre for Innovative Energy Technology
The centre brings together interdisciplinary researchers to advance clean energy innovation. Fellows will have access to world-class labs, pilot scale facilities, workshops, and advanced instruments to develop and help deliver cutting edge clean energy solutions.
Centre for Prevention, Implementation and Population Health
Our researchers are internationally recognised for advancing public health and chronic disease prevention. The centre brings together behavioural scientists, health practitioners, policy leaders and community partners to ensure proven initiatives are adopted, delivered at scale and sustained over time.
Global Sport and Movement Collective
Fellows will join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to harnessing the power of physical activity and sport to improve health, wellbeing and social outcomes. Our researchers have achieved extensive impact by shaping physical activity policy and leading the large-scale, evidence-based programs in schools and sporting organisations across Australia and internationally.
Breathing and Lung Health Research Program
Be part of transforming the way respiratory diseases are understood, diagnosed and treated. Researchers are supported to develop independent programs of work, build national and international partnerships, and translate discoveries into measurable health outcomes.
Brain Health Research Program
Join a unique team of cross-discipline experts working to improve patient outcomes in brain health. Backed by excellent resources and infrastructure, our research spans chronic pain, dementia, brain imaging, neuropsychiatry, addiction, sensory neurobiology, neurosurgical robotics, stroke and brain injuries.
Immune Health Research Program
Our research advances the understanding of immunology to improve human health. With expertise in gut and digestive health, neuroinflammation, respiratory disease, stem cell biology, infection, kidney disease and transplant, and ear and Aboriginal health, we turn discovery science into real-world implementation.
Infection Research Program
Program researchers improve understanding, prevention and treatment of severe infectious diseases that impact our communities. As a Fellow, you will work alongside researchers and clinicians from diverse fields including virology, infectious disease medicine, epidemiology, microbiology and public health.
Reproductive and Family Health Program
Our research addresses global challenges in fertility, pregnancy, child health and women’s health. Here, you’ll collaborate with fundamental scientists, clinicians, public health researchers, consumers, policymakers and industry partners to accelerate the development of innovations that impact research, policy and clinical practice.
Join our research community
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.