Apply for a UTS Research Fellowship

Targeting early career researchers, the Fellowships seek to foster the next generation of academic leaders at UTS by supporting you to develop your research, teaching and learning, management and communication skills to shape the next steps in your career. This is an exceptional opportunity to build your research capabilities and join a vibrant, forward-thinking academic community.

Chancellor's Fellows are awarded: 

• a 4-year combined research & teaching role
• up to $50,000 in research funding
• access to international collaboration opportunities
• targeted early career development & mentorship
• a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching.

Things to consider when applying

Chancellor’s Research Fellow Dr Mariana Sousa from the UTS Faculty of Health said she was encouraged to apply for the opportunity four years after completing her PhD. 
 

Although unsuccessful in her first application, Mariana persevered and focussed on her own Don;t academic development. She participated in a mentoring program that helped her to clarify her research goals and develop a 4-year research plan. Mariana reapplied a second time with a stronger vision statement and clear long-term goals and was successful. In her experience, failure has been vital to success, and she encourages others to not be put off if at first you don’t succeed in your application.

Be clear about what are the intended impacts of your research. 

Chancellor’s Research Fellow Dr Phong Vo from the Faculty of Science said that the four-year opportunity really helps you progress your research and gain senior academic support. 

Phong recommends that applicants seek support and feedback from a suitable mentor and allocate at least 4 weeks to develop a strong application. He recommends you discuss not only your research background, but also talks about your networks. Phong said you need to be clear about what are the intended impacts of your research. 

 

Watch a 2024 video recording featuring Professor Chris Turney and past Fellows Dr Mariana Sousa, Dr Phong Vo and Dr Julia Scott-Stevenson as they discuss the Chancellor's Research Fellowships and how to apply.
 

Chancellor’s Research Fellow Dr Julia Scott-Stevenson from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences also applied for the Fellowship more than once before she was appointed. Julia said that you need to be bold and make a strong case that your work has genuine impact, no matter how many traditional publications you may have.

In preparing her successful application, Julia argued that in addition to traditional research outputs, the creative practice experiments and ethnographic research she was conducting were making a difference and gaining traction internationally. 

Julia recommends building a picture of how your research achieves impact and discussing where possible any interdisciplinarity and industry connections you may have. Julia believes that these were the elements that underscored her success, including her research experiences in the UK and Europe.

Interested in applying?

Interested applicants should read the guidelines and apply by 9 June 2025. You are also encouraged to share this exceptional opportunity with someone who you believe should put their hat in the ring!
 

Learn more about the Chancellor's Research Fellowships
Learn more about the Chancellor's Indigenous Research Fellowships