Overview:

• Ongoing appointment available at Academic Level B, C, or D, with remuneration and benefits commensurate with the skills, qualifications, and experience of the successful candidate
• Based at the City campus but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University
• This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the fields of security and resilience while working alongside leading experts and partners.

About the Role

The Fellow will contribute to high-impact research within the Security & Resilience Hub (S&RHub) and the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre (SLWDAC) in collaboration with the School of Engineering. This role involves:

• Leading independent and collaborative research projects that significantly advance knowledge and are nationally recognised.
• Developing and executing research aligned with the S&RHub and SLWDAC strategic focus areas.
• Building and nurturing strong research networks within RMIT and with national and local partners
• Planning, developing, and submitting competitive funding proposals to secure defence and national security research funding.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of educational programs tailored to both academic and industry needs.

We are particularly interested in candidates with significant experience in managing funded research projects within these areas below.

Relevant Research Areas and Capabilities:

• Digital Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Machine-Teaming
• Aerostructures and Flight Science
• Advanced Composite and Alloy Additive Manufacturing
• Propulsion Systems
• RF/Electronics and Communications
• Advanced Sensor Technologies, Sensor Networks and System Tracking

Other topic areas will be considered on request. Please contact Professor Kevin Zhang (kevin.zhang@rmit.edu.au) to discuss.

To be successful in the Fellow position, you’ll have:

• Strong track record and recognition for quality research outputs which will contribute to existing defence and national security research areas evidenced by publications, research initiatives, competitive research funding, and industry links.
• Strong track record in securing and managing research funding with industry.
• Ability to build effective networks with colleagues and generate alternative funding projects through effective liaison with industry and government.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise higher degree by research candidates.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver high quality courses.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills appropriate for interacting with higher degree by research candidates, staff and industry, together with a strong commitment to teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications:
Mandatory: PhD or equivalent in relevant field
Preferred: Australian citizenship, eligibility for or possession of Security Clearances.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.
About the Security and Resilience Hub (S&R Hub)
The Security & Resilience Hub focuses on advancements in national and digital security, sustainable infrastructure, and natural disaster management. It fosters a collaborative environment where cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships with industry and communities converge to create sustainable solutions that safeguard society and infrastructure, building disaster-resilient communities.
Serving as the front door to industry, government, and communities on security and resilience issues, the hub raises awareness through events, showcases, and roadshows. Additionally, it enriches academic programs by offering minors and work-integrated learning opportunities with industry and leading researchers.
The Hub is dedicated to workforce transformation by developing micro-credentials in collaboration with industry and offering tailor-made training through workshops, masterclasses, and short programs. It facilitates industry access to world-class researchers and facilities, conducting collaborative research projects to translate research into practice.
About The Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre (SLWDAC)
The Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre is dedicated to advancing the fields of defence and aerospace through cutting-edge research, innovation, and collaboration. It serves as a hub where industry leaders, government agencies, and academic experts come together to develop technologies and solutions that enhance national security and aerospace capabilities.
The Centre promotes workforce development by offering tailored training programs and work-integrated learning opportunities, ensuring a highly skilled workforce for the defence and aerospace sectors. With a strong focus on practical applications, SLWDAC fosters partnerships and conducts collaborative research projects that drive technological advancements, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of global defence and aerospace innovation.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter and address the Key Selection Criteria for your desired position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.
Candidates are asked to specify the level of the appointment they are applying for in the cover letter.
For further information about this position, contact Professor Kevin Zhang via email
kevin.zhang@rmit.edu.au
or please see the Position Descriptions hyperlinked below.
For further information regarding recruitment processes, please contact Aleksandra Besia, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor via email
aleksandra.besia@rmit.edu.au
Position Description – Defence and National Security Fellow (Level D)
Position Description – Defence and National Security Fellow (Level C)
Position Description - Defence and National Security Fellow (Level B)
Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.
Applications Close:
5 Aug 2025 11.59 pm
RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via
talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information -
https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers
.
We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

• Leading independent and collaborative research projects that significantly advance knowledge and are nationally recognised.
• Developing and executing research aligned with the S&RHub and SLWDAC strategic focus areas.
• Building and nurturing strong research networks within RMIT and with national and local partners
• Planning, developing, and submitting competitive funding proposals to secure defence and national security research funding.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of educational programs tailored to both academic and industry needs