MSPS Academic Fellowship Scheme

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (MSPS) Academic Fellowship has been developed to support Early to Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) with links to MSPS.

The objectives of the fellowship are to:

  • Provide support for a researcher currently affiliated with the School who is nearing the end of their current salary support
  • Assist Early to Mid-Career Researchers in MSPS in developing teaching experience and skills
  • Promote research that aligns with the MSPS and University research strategy.

The MSPS Academic Fellowship is a three-year appointment awarded between Level B1-C1 in the University salary band (starting at the level of the applicant’s current position). The successful applicant will also receive $10,000 in research funding (over the life of the fellowship).

The prototypical applicant will have held a postdoctoral fellowship and will be seeking bridging funding prior to obtaining a new fellowship or other funded position with a significant research component. However, applicants with other kinds of recent salary support will be considered. The fellowship would normally commence at the conclusion of the successful applicant’s current salary support. In the event that a successful applicant was awarded external funding that enabled continuation of their salary support, the fellowship would normally be withdrawn and may be awarded to another applicant. The fellowship cannot be deferred.

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to research supervision and teaching (half teaching load of 25 contact hours/year) in addition to conducting their research. Applicants will be judged according to their teaching and research track record as well as strategic alignment with MSPS teaching and research efforts.

More information on eligibility and assessment

    1. Applicants must have been awarded a PhD less than 10 years before the application closing date (accounting for any career disruptions).
    2. Applicants must have a link with a University of Melbourne staff member or hub/centre.
    3. Applicants’ current salary support must end before 31st Dec 2025.
    4. Applicants must have a mentor/sponsor in MSPS who is able to host them.

    Highly desirable criteria

    1. Applicants have demonstrated evidence of successful prior grant funding.

  • The assessment will focus on the track record of the applicant and the potential for the applicant to contribute to and develop research and supervision at MSPS. The applicant's record will be judged relative to opportunity, taking into account career interruptions. Past recipients of the fellowship may not apply again.

    Applicants will be ranked by a sub-committee of the MSPS Research and Research Training Committee, with representation from a variety of discipline areas and including the Head of School or representative. Applicants should ensure that their proposal can be easily understood by academics from outside of their discipline area.

    Members of the sub-committee will consider the information provided in the proposal. Assessment is against the following criteria:

    1. Research track record (e.g., publications, impact of research work, national and international standing, awards) and potential of the applicant relative to opportunity – 50%.
    2. The proposed research and its strategic alignment with the research goals of MSPS – 25%.
    3. Proposed research supervision contribution to the school and supervisory track record – 25%.

Preparing an application

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their application with the Head of School and their proposed supervisor, prior to commencing an application. Applications that do not have the required endorsements will not be considered.

Applicants must apply for the advertised position via PageUp, including all relevant attachments, by 11.59pm, Monday 14th October, 2024.

Checklist for submission

Submit the application via PageUp by 11.59pm, Monday 14th October, 2024.

Please direct any queries to hod-psych@unimelb.edu.au.