FORREST RESEARCH FOUNDATION (MINDEROO FOUNDATION)
Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships
full · phd
- ~A$95,000/year (est.)Annual salary
- +17% superSuperannuation on top
- A$21,447/yearAccommodation allowance
- A$12,000 one-offRelocation & travel allowance
- 3 yearsFellowship term
- 5 universitiesHost institutions in WA
At a glance
full
Funding
€90k
Max amount
May 31, 2027
Deadline
Open to applicants from all countries worldwide
Country
Forrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)
Provider
The Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships are full-salary research positions held at one of five Western Australian universities: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) and the University of Western Australia. The Foundation was established in 2014 through a 65 million dollar gift over a decade from Andrew and Nicola Forrest via the Minderoo Foundation, and it funds early-career researchers across all disciplines. Each Forrest Fellow is employed on terms consistent with a university Level A Step 8 appointment, paying a salary of about 95,000 Australian dollars plus 17 percent superannuation, with an annual accommodation allowance of 21,447 Australian dollars and a one-off relocation and research-travel allowance of 12,000 Australian dollars. The standard fellowship term is 3 years. Fellows must be within two years of completing their PhD, reside at Forrest Hall for the full term, and take on mentoring and ambassadorial duties. Because salary scales, allowances and the closing date are reset each cycle, confirm the exact current-cycle figures and deadline on the official Forrest Research Foundation page before applying.
What's covered
- Annual salary — A salary consistent with a Level A Step 8 university appointment, approximately A$95,000 per year (about ~EUR 57,000 (est.) at prevailing rates), paid through the host Western Australian university.
- Superannuation — Employer superannuation of 17 percent paid on top of salary, worth roughly A$16,000 per year (about ~EUR 9,600 (est.)), in line with Australian university employment terms.
- Accommodation allowance — An annual accommodation allowance of A$21,447 (about ~EUR 12,900 (est.)), subject to the recipient's marginal tax rate, to support living at Forrest Hall.
- Relocation and research travel — A one-off allowance of A$12,000 (about ~EUR 7,200 (est.)) towards relocation to Perth and research-related travel at the start of the fellowship.
- Forrest Hall residency — A place to live within Forrest Hall, the dedicated residential college for Forrest Fellows and Scholars, plus access to its academic and social community for the full 3-year term.
- Research environment and mentorship — An academic mentor and a research base at a top Western Australian university, with the standing to mentor Forrest Scholars and represent the Foundation.
How to apply
Applications are made directly to the Forrest Research Foundation after first securing a willing academic mentor at one of the five host universities.
- Contact a research group — Reach out to the research group or department in Western Australia where you intend to work and obtain confirmation that a senior academic will mentor your post-doctoral research.
- Secure mentor support — The Foundation will later contact your proposed academic mentor to request formal written confirmation of support, so line this up early.
- Prepare your application — Complete the application form and compile your CV, list of publications, list of grants and awards, an impact statement addressing the selection criteria, contact details for four referees and a recent photograph.
- Submit the application — Submit the full application to the Forrest Research Foundation before the published closing date for the cycle.
- Selection and confirmation — Shortlisted applicants are assessed against the selection criteria and the Foundation confirms mentor support before final offers are made.
Eligibility
Career stageIn the final year of a PhD, or no more than two years past PhD completion, at the time the fellowship begins.
NationalityOpen to applicants from all countries worldwide.
DisciplineResearchers from all academic disciplines are eligible to apply.
LanguageProficiency in English is required.
Residency and dutiesMust reside at Forrest Hall for the entire term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, ambassadorial duties and leadership within Forrest Hall.
Employment eligibilityMust meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the designated host Western Australian university.
Selection requires a confirmed academic mentor: the Foundation contacts the proposed senior staff supervisor of shortlisted applicants for formal confirmation of support before any offer is made.
Eligible countries
Open to applicants from all countries worldwide
Deadlines
2026/2027 fellowship intake~31 May 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed on demonstrated research ability, resourcefulness and a remarkable academic track record, together with the potential to make a positive impact and contribute to research and innovation in Western Australia. A confirmed senior academic mentor at a host university is required, and shortlisted applicants' referees and mentors are contacted before final selection.
Verified sources
- Forrest Research Foundation - Fellowshipsforrestresearch.org.auofficial
- Forrest Research Foundation - How to Applyforrestresearch.org.auofficial
About the provider
The Forrest Research Foundation is a Perth-based foundation created in 2014 through a gift from Andrew and Nicola Forrest via the Minderoo Foundation. It supports outstanding post-doctoral Fellows and postgraduate Scholars across five Western Australian universities, with a residential community at Forrest Hall, to build research and innovation capacity in Western Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who funds the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships?
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The Forrest Research Foundation, established in 2014 with a A$65 million gift from Andrew and Nicola Forrest through the Minderoo Foundation, funds the fellowships at Western Australian universities.
How much is the salary?
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About A$95,000 per year, consistent with a university Level A Step 8 appointment, plus 17 percent superannuation paid on top.
What allowances are included?
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An annual accommodation allowance of A$21,447 and a one-off relocation and research-travel allowance of A$12,000, in addition to salary.
How long is the fellowship?
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The standard Forrest Fellowship term is 3 years.
Which universities host the fellowship?
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Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) and the University of Western Australia.
Who is eligible to apply?
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Early-career researchers of any nationality and from any discipline who are in their final PhD year or no more than two years past PhD completion when the fellowship begins.
Do I have to live at Forrest Hall?
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Yes. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the entire duration of the fellowship.
What duties do Forrest Fellows have?
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Beyond their research, Fellows mentor Forrest Scholars, undertake ambassadorial duties for the Foundation and provide leadership within Forrest Hall.
Do I need an academic mentor before applying?
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Yes. You must first secure confirmation that a senior academic at a host university will mentor your research, and the Foundation contacts that mentor for shortlisted applicants.
How many referees do I need?
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You must provide contact details for four referees as part of the application.
When is the application deadline?
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Historically the round has closed around 31 May; for the next cycle expect a deadline near 31 May 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact date officially.
Where do I confirm the official details?
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On the official Forrest Research Foundation fellowships page, which publishes the binding salary, allowances, eligibility and deadline each cycle.