• 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:

https://youtu.be/52Fa-bhldG4

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 [email protected] 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