Postdoctoral Fellowship

This fellowship funding will allow a recent PhD graduate to boost their research career and enhance their ability to attract and secure future funding.

This fellowship is aimed at early career researchers and seeks to identify the strongest emerging talent in Australia who have just completed or are nearing completion of their PhD studies.

The successful Postdoctoral Fellow will have a demonstrated strong track record during their PhD and be working towards gaining recognition for their expertise in their research area.

For applicants to be considered for funding, they must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• The applicant will be considered the Chief Investigator A (CIA) on the project.
• CIA must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have applied for Australian permanent residency at the time of the application
• CIA must be involved in Cardiovascular Research (including stroke research)
• CIA must be from an NHMRC Administering Institution
• CIA must be based in Australia for at least 80% of the funding period

• CIA must be no more than 3 years post PhD prior to March 1st, 2026 (considering Career Disruptions only, not other Relative to Opportunity factors).

• CIA must be awarded their PhD by the time their funding commences

Applicants may apply to undertake the Fellowship between 0.6 FTE to 1.0 FTE

What's the value and duration of the fellowship?

Full time Postdoctoral Fellowships are funded for two years. Part time fellowships (minimum 0.6 FTE) are funded for two years pro rata.

Note: The increased salary support rates apply to grants awarded from 2026 onwards, with payments commencing in 2027 or later. These changes do not apply to existing funded grants.

When can you apply?

• Applications open: Monday 2 March 2026
• Applications close: Friday 17 April 2026
• Successful applicants notified: Late October 2026

How should you apply? 

Applications must be submitted via the Heart Foundation Grants Management Portal.