Post Doctoral Research Fellow

• Exciting new research opportunity within our Institute for Health and Sport (IHES)
• Join our collaborative and supportive research team
• Located at our Footscray Park campus

About Us

At Victoria University (VU), our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drives embedded in our Strategic Plan : Start well, finish brilliantly.One of the drivers "Thriving place to Study and Work" will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride.

About the Team

The Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS) is one of two Research Institutes at VU.  We take a transformative, future-focussed, "whole-of-University" approach, undertaking research into issues of global significance in Health and Sport.

IHES research is part of the VUs whole-of-university effort to prioritise solutions that are locally anchored or 'place-based' to ensure sustainability.  IHES research addresses the United Nations Social Development Goals #3 Good Health and Wellbeing; #5 Gender Equality; #10 Reduced Inequalities; #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; and #17 Partnerships. Our research contributes to the Key Thematic Areas in VU Research and Impact of Health, Sport & Wellness; First Nations Knowledge; New Generation Skills and Workforce Impact; Green Research Translation; and New Frontiers in policy, advocacy and justice.

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and passionate post-doctoral researcher to progress the understanding of the role of exercise as medicine and provide academic research excellence in the NHMRC-funded project "Discovering the neuroprotective potential of exercise in individuals with Motor Neuron Disease".

This project aims to discover if carefully prescribed exercise can slow the neurodegeneration in people with MND, by evaluating its effects at multiple levels (brain, spinal cord, muscle) of the motor system.

The Research Fellow will ensure that the project is conducted to the highest standard.  The position will be based at Victoria University's IHES facility at Footscray Park but may also require travel to other campuses.

This is a part time, fixed term position at a Level B (Research Fellow) classification with a salary range of $109,392 - $129,902 per annum (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation working at 22.05 hours (0.6 FTE) per week.

About You

We are looking for a motivated Research Fellow with a strong background in exercise physiology, medicine, physiotherapy, or a related discipline.

You will be a collaborative and independent researcher with excellent communication skills, the ability to lead and contribute to interdisciplinary research, and a passion for translating exercise science into real-world clinical impact.

The successful applicant will have:

• A PhD or equivalent research higher degree in an area of exercise physiology, medicine, physiotherapy, or cognate discipline.
• AEP (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) status with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA)
• Demonstrated excellent research publication record.
• Strong interest in research related to "exercise is medicine" and experience working with clinical populations.
• Demonstrated capacity for undertaking independent and/or team research, including developing, conducting and leading research projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment and contribute to the work of the research team.

Applications close: Sunday 30th November :55pm AEDT)

How to apply:

To view a copy of the position description and to submit your application please visit our VU jobs site

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

• A concise cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria and your suitability to this position
• Your curriculum vitae/resume

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

For further information contact Associate Professor Alessandra Ferri ).

Applications close: Sunday 30th November :55pm AEDT)

What We Offer:

For information on our employee benefits, flexible working, discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships and salary packaging please visit 

Our Commitment to Protecting Country:

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share.

Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity

VU is an equal opportunity employer and proudly committed to progressive inclusivity. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. We are proud be an WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Our Committed to Inclusive Recruitment

VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including accessible formats of documents, please contact us at  or call