Post-Doctoral Fellowships

Applications now open until 11 March 2022

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship provides funding for successful applicants, who have already attained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), to further their research career.

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship aims to build research capacity in the following:

  • studies of indicated, selective and universal interventions to prevent suicide and suicidal behaviour will be considered, with particular emphasis being given to studies of indicated interventions. Studies employing any type of research design will be considered, providing they can yield meaningful data on effectiveness and, where possible, cost-effectiveness.
  • the protective factors against suicide and the mechanisms by which these protective factors operate. Studies employing any type of research design will be considered, providing they can yield meaningful data on protective factors and their promotion.

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship aims to:

  1. Develop and expand evidence to support innovative interventions across the spectrum of suicide prevention.
  2. Foster the expansion and development of research leadership in suicide prevention
  3. Enhance the scale and focus of research relevant to the Suicide Prevention Research Fund priorities
  4. Contribute to the evidence base to inform and improve future services, systems and policies related to suicide prevention in Australia.

This highly competitive grant round has a small number of Post-Doctoral Fellowships available before the end of this financial year. Applicants must submit a research application that address one of the broader social determinants, with a preference for intervention-focussed research that considers (but is not limited to) one of the following:   

  • Financial insecurity – including unemployment, gambling, housing insecurity and/or homelessness  
  • Alcohol and other drug use  
  • Children and families who have had contact with the child protection system   
  • People who have had contact with the criminal justice system 

Health research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Applicants proposing to undertake research which specifically relates to the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, or which includes distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations or data, should be aware of, and must refer to, the following documents in formulating their proposal:

  • The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP). CBPATSISP promotes best practice in Indigenous suicide prevention programs, research, services, and resources
  • NHMRC Roadmap 3: A strategic framework for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through research
  • Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders, and
  • Keeping Research on Track II (a companion document on how the values and principles outlined in the Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders can be put into practice in research).

How to Apply

  1. Review the application guidelines attached
    Guidelines – 2022 Post-Doctoral Fellowship
  2. Complete the application form, budget and CV template
    Application Form – 2022 Post-Doctoral Fellowship
    Applicant CV – 2022 Post-Doctoral Fellowship
  3. Cross-reference the application guidelines and application form to ensure you have addressed all the criteria

Submit the application and supporting documentation to sprf@suicidepreventionaust.org by 11.59pm (AEDT) Friday 11 March 2022.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must be a researcher who is up to five years post-doctoral study and who can demonstrate the following:

  • Record of contributing to quality publications
  • Capacity for leadership in the suicide prevention research field
  • Commitment to the application of their research, and
  • Articulation of a career development strategy that has relevance to suicide and its prevention

Award Value

Funding levelThe total grant value is up to $300,000
Funding durationThe funding is for a two-year full-time equivalent position, with provision for up to four years where there is career interruption with prior agreement.