The University of Canberra is recruiting an Early Career Researcher for a three-year Deliberative Democracy Fellowship. Applications close on 10 August 2026.
The University of Canberra has opened applications for an exciting Deliberative Democracy Fellow position within its internationally recognised Centre for Deliberative Democracy, offering an outstanding opportunity for emerging researchers to establish an independent research profile in one of the fastest-growing fields of political and democratic scholarship.
The three-year, full-time research fellowship is open to both domestic and international applicants and provides successful candidates with the freedom to pursue their own research agenda while collaborating with leading scholars in deliberative democracy, participatory governance, democratic innovations, and related disciplines.
Applications close at 11:55 p.m. (AEST) on Monday, 10 August 2026.
A Unique Opportunity for Independent Research
Unlike many early-career academic appointments that focus on predetermined research projects, the Deliberative Democracy Fellow position offers considerable academic independence.
Successful candidates will develop their own research programme while contributing to the Centre’s internationally recognised work on democratic innovation and citizen participation.
The fellowship is designed to help emerging scholars:
- Build an independent research profile
- Publish in leading international journals
- Establish global research collaborations
- Secure competitive research funding
- Participate in conferences and academic workshops
- Contribute to postgraduate teaching and research activities
The position provides an ideal platform for researchers seeking to become internationally recognised experts in democratic governance.
About the Centre for Deliberative Democracy
Based within the University of Canberra, the Centre for Deliberative Democracy has earned a global reputation for excellence in research on democratic participation, citizen engagement, and public deliberation.
The Centre brings together researchers exploring how democratic systems can be strengthened through innovative forms of public participation and inclusive decision-making.
Researchers work across a range of themes, including:
- Deliberative democracy
- Participatory democracy
- Democratic innovations
- Public engagement
- Political participation
- Governance reform
- Civic participation
- Democratic institutions
The successful Fellow will become part of a collaborative research environment that supports innovative scholarship and international engagement.
Fellowship Responsibilities
The Deliberative Democracy Fellow will undertake high-quality independent research while contributing to the Centre’s broader academic activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting original research aligned with the Centre’s research agenda
- Publishing in high-impact academic journals and scholarly presses
- Developing competitive grant applications
- Building national and international research collaborations
- Participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences
- Supporting postgraduate learning and research activities
- Enhancing the Centre’s international research reputation
The fellowship is intended to help early-career academics establish themselves as future leaders in democracy research.
Who Should Apply?
The University is seeking ambitious, self-directed researchers with a demonstrated passion for advancing scholarship on democracy and governance.
Applicants should hold a PhD in one of the following fields or a closely related discipline:
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Media and Communication
- Philosophy
- Related social science disciplines
Candidates should demonstrate the capacity to conduct independent, high-quality research and contribute to an internationally recognised research centre.
Salary and Employment Conditions
The fellowship offers an attractive academic employment package.
Key employment details include:
- Position: Deliberative Democracy Fellow
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Duration: Three-year fixed-term appointment until December 2029
- Location: Bruce, Canberra, Australia
- Salary: AU$116,403–AU$137,865 per year
- Additional Benefits: 17% employer superannuation contribution
The position is classified as UC Level B within the University’s academic structure.
Benefits of Working at the University of Canberra
The University of Canberra offers a supportive working environment designed to help researchers thrive professionally and personally.
Employee benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements
- Family-friendly workplace policies
- Professional development opportunities
- Study assistance programmes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Corporate health insurance options through Bupa
- On-campus gym and medical services
- Childcare facilities
- Cafés, supermarket, and other campus amenities
The University has also been recognised among the world’s leading institutions for reducing inequalities, reflecting its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are welcomed from both Australian and international candidates.
Successful applicants must:
- Be eligible to live and work in Australia for the duration of the appointment
- Reside in Canberra throughout the fellowship
- Hold a completed PhD in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrate strong research potential
- Show commitment to advancing scholarship in deliberative democracy or related fields
The University particularly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit several supporting documents as part of the online application process.
Required application materials include:
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter explaining motivation, suitability, and contribution to the Centre
- One-page research plan outlining the proposed research programme
- Up to two writing samples (published papers or PhD thesis chapters)
Candidates shortlisted for the position may also be invited to complete an online one-way video interview before final selection.
Important Dates
Prospective applicants should take note of the following timeline:
- Position Advertised: 30 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 10 August 2026 (11:55 p.m. AEST)
- Employment Type: Full-time, three-year fixed-term fellowship
- Location: Canberra, Australia
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their research proposal and supporting documentation well ahead of the closing date.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The University of Canberra’s Deliberative Democracy Fellow position represents a rare opportunity for early-career scholars to pursue independent, curiosity-driven research within a globally respected research centre. Rather than contributing to a predefined project, the fellowship empowers researchers to shape their own academic trajectory while building international collaborations and producing high-impact scholarship. For emerging academics passionate about democracy, governance, and citizen participation, this appointment offers an exceptional platform to establish a lasting research career.
