Colonel George Johnson Fellowship in Australian History

• A 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity at 0.8 FTE, with scope for variation

• Applications are invited for the 2026 Colonel George Johnston Fellowship in Australian History for early‑career historians

• Base Salary Level A $113,400 - $121,054 + 17% superannuation pro rata

 

About the opportunity

The Colonel George Johnston Fellowship in Australian History is a prestigious, fixed‑term postdoctoral appointment at the University of Sydney, designed to support outstanding early‑career researchers within six years of completing their PhD (or equivalent). The Fellowship provides dedicated time and resources to develop a major research output, typically a book arising from the doctoral thesis or a similarly ambitious project, while contributing to the scholarly life of the discipline.

Applications are invited for the 2026 Colonel George Johnston Fellowship in Australian History. The Fellowship is offered at Academic Level A on a part‑time basis (0.8 FTE) for 12 months, with the following benefits and opportunities:

• Flexibility to undertake the Fellowship at a lower FTE to extend beyond one year, subject to approval of the Discipline Lead and Head of School

• Opportunity to undertake casual teaching up to 0.2 FTE in addition to the Fellowship for one year

• Access to $10,000 from the Colonel George Johnston bequest to support research travel, conference participation, and publication costs (including subventions)

• Eligibility to apply for additional discipline, school, and university, based research funding

The University of Sydney is committed to equity and diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars, as well as candidates from other under‑represented backgrounds.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants, and scholars working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, are especially encouraged to apply.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

 

• Completing an original and substantial research project for publication, typically a book arising from the doctoral thesis or a similarly ambitious scholarly output such as a body of publishable articles or non‑traditional research outputs

• contributing to the intellectual life of the discipline by assisting with the development and coordination of research activities such as workshops and conferences, and participating in discussions that help shape future research directions

• acknowledging the support of the Colonel George Johnston bequest and the affiliation with the University of Sydney in all publications and research outputs arising from the Fellowship

 

About you

You are an early‑career researcher with a strong research profile and a clear plan to produce a significant scholarly output during the term of the Fellowship. You will bring intellectual independence, research focus, and the capacity to deliver high‑quality work within a defined timeframe.

To be considered for the Fellowship, you will:

• Have completed a PhD within the last six years (or equivalent) and hold a doctoral qualification in history or a related discipline, where the proposed project is strongly historical in nature

• Demonstrate a commitment to producing a major research output, such as a book manuscript for submission to a high‑quality academic or trade press, and/or a body of publishable articles or non‑traditional research outputs

• Show evidence of a strong and emerging research track record with national or international standing

• Demonstrate the capacity to deliver high‑quality research outcomes in a timely and independent manner

Historians of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and scholars working in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander history, are especially encouraged to apply.

The Fellowship will be awarded on the basis of:

• The significance and originality of the proposed research project

• The feasibility of producing a book manuscript, published articles, or a corpus of non‑traditional research outputs by the end of the Fellowship

• Demonstrated excellence in research and publication

• Capacity to successfully progress and complete the proposed work program within the Fellowship period

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Justyn Griffin, Recruitment Operations by email to justyn.griffin@sydney.edu.au.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 25 May 2026 11:59 PM