Forrest Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 , Australia (Fully Funded)
Pursue cutting-edge research in Australia with one of the most prestigious postdoctoral opportunities available. The Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship, offered by the Forrest Research Foundation, supports outstanding early-career researchers from around the world to conduct innovative, high-impact research in Western Australia.
Designed for intellectually adventurous scholars, the fellowship goes beyond funding—it offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary community that encourages bold thinking, collaboration, and public engagement.
About the Forrest Research Foundation
The Forrest Research Foundation (FRF) is dedicated to attracting and nurturing exceptional research talent. Forrest Fellows are recognised not only for academic excellence, but also for their curiosity, leadership, and willingness to challenge convention. Fellows are encouraged to build intellectual bridges across disciplines and to communicate their research for the benefit of society.
Degree Level
- Postdoctoral Fellowship
Available Subjects
- All subjects
Benefits
The Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship is fully funded and provides comprehensive financial and professional support:
Salary: Level A Step 8 salary (e.g. AUD $108,362 in 2025 at the University of Western Australia) plus 17% superannuation
Accommodation Allowance: AUD $25,116 per year (subject to tax)
Research & Travel Allowance: One-off grant of AUD $12,000 for approved research expenses, overseas research, and conference travel
Relocation Allowance: Available for interstate and international fellows, including economy airfare to Perth
Leadership & Mentoring Opportunities within the Forrest Research Foundation community
Appointments at Level B may be considered if supported by the host university.
Host Institutions
Fellows are hosted at one of the five Western Australian universities:
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
The University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Western Australia
Applicants must secure a supportive mentor from one of these institutions before applying.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Forrest Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must:
PhD conferred on or after , or
All PhD requirements completed by
Be in the final year of a PhD or no more than two years post-PhD conferral
For 2025 applications (commencing 2026):
PhD conferred on or after 1 January 2024, or
All PhD requirements completed by 31 December 2026
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and research potential
Be willing to relocate to Western Australia
Applicants from all countries and all disciplines are eligible
Career interruptions are recognised in line with the Australian Research Council’s Eligibility and Career Interruptions Statement.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are assessed on:
Academic excellence and research achievements
Originality and impact of the proposed research
Ability to work across disciplines
Leadership potential and community engagement
Commitment to contributing to the Forrest Research Foundation community
Application Procedure
Applications are submitted online only through the Forrest Research Foundation portal (available when applications open).
Required Documents
Completed application form
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Publications list
Grants and awards list
Contact details for three referees (at least two academic)
Referee reports are usually requested only at the interview stage.
Key Dates
Applications Open: Typically mid to late May
Applications Close: Usually June
Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to Forrest Research Foundation updates to receive opening alerts.
Tips for a Successful Application
Prepare a plain-English research proposal focusing on impact and relevance to Western Australia
Contact your proposed mentor at least one month before the deadline
Demonstrate leadership, curiosity, and public engagement
Clearly explain how you will contribute to the Forrest Research Foundation community
There is no fixed formula—successful applications are authentic, ambitious, and well-aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
