Introduction

Are you an early career researcher passionate about democracy, public participation, and political innovation? The University of Canberra (UC) is inviting applications for the prestigious Deliberative Democracy Fellow position at its internationally recognized Centre for Deliberative Democracy.

This full-time, research-focused fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to develop an independent research program while collaborating with leading scholars in deliberative and participatory democracy. Based in Canberra, Australia, the fellowship is a 3-year fixed-term appointment running until December 2029 and offers a competitive salary, generous superannuation, and excellent professional development opportunities.

Applications are open to both domestic and international candidates.

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Overview

The Deliberative Democracy Fellow will join the University of Canberra’s world-leading Centre for Deliberative Democracy to undertake high-quality research, publish in leading academic journals, build international collaborations, and contribute to the Centre’s vibrant research environment.

Unlike project-specific research positions, this fellowship allows researchers to establish their own independent research agenda while contributing to the Centre’s growing national and international reputation.

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Position Details

• Position: Deliberative Democracy Fellow
• Institution: University of Canberra
• Centre: Centre for Deliberative Democracy
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Appointment: Research-Only
• Contract Duration: 3 Years (until December 2029)
• Location: Canberra, Australia
• Salary: AUD $116,403 – $137,865 per year
• Additional Benefits: 17% Superannuation
• Job Number: 504435

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Areas of Research

Applicants are encouraged to develop research in areas including:

• Deliberative Democracy
• Participatory Democracy
• Democratic Innovations
• Political Participation
• Democratic Governance
• Public Policy
• Civic Engagement
• Related interdisciplinary fields

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Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD in:
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Media and Communication
  • Philosophy
  • Or a closely related discipline.
• Be an ambitious Early Career Researcher.
• Demonstrate a strong research background.
• Be capable of conducting independent research.
• Be eligible to live and work in Australia during the fellowship.
• Reside in Canberra throughout the appointment.

Both Australian and international applicants are welcome to apply.

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Fellowship Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Annual salary of AUD $116,403–$137,865
• Additional 17% Superannuation
• Three-year research-focused appointment
• Opportunity to establish an independent research program
• Access to world-leading researchers
• International collaboration opportunities
• Professional development programs
• Flexible working arrangements
• Family-friendly workplace policies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Corporate health plan (Bupa)
• On-campus gym, cafés, medical services, supermarket, childcare, and other facilities

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Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter explaining:
  • Motivation
  • Suitability
  • Contribution to the Centre
• One-page Research Plan
• Up to two writing samples or one PhD thesis chapter (combined into one document if multiple)

Shortlisted candidates may also be invited to complete an online one-way video interview.

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Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1

Prepare all required application documents.

OFFICIAL LINK

Step 2

Develop a one-page research proposal aligned with deliberative democracy.

Step 3

Complete the online application through the University of Canberra recruitment portal.

Step 4

Upload all required supporting documents.

Step 5

Submit your application before the closing date.

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Important Date

• Applications Opened: 30 June 2026
• Application Deadline: 10 August 2026 (11:55 PM AEST)

Late applications may not be considered.

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Why Apply?

This fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to:

• Build your own internationally recognized research profile.
• Conduct independent, high-impact research.
• Collaborate with leading democracy scholars.
• Publish in top academic journals.
• Participate in international conferences and workshops.
• Access excellent research funding opportunities.
• Work at one of Australia’s leading universities for reducing inequalities.
• Enjoy an outstanding work-life balance in Canberra.

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Tips for a Successful Application

To maximize your chances of selection:

• Prepare a clear and innovative research plan.
• Highlight your publications and research achievements.
• Demonstrate alignment with deliberative democracy research.
• Showcase collaboration and interdisciplinary experience.
• Write a strong motivation letter tailored to the Centre.
• Carefully proofread all application documents.
• Submit your application well before the deadline.

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Official Contact & Application

University of Canberra Careers
https://www.canberra.edu.au

Job Enquiries

Dr Hans Asenbaum
Director, Centre for Deliberative Democracy

Email: hans.asenbaum@canberra.edu.au

Recruitment Team

Email: uctalent@canberra.edu.au

Phone: +61 2 6206 3867

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FAQs

Who can apply?

Both domestic and international applicants are eligible.

What is the position?

Deliberative Democracy Fellow.

Where is the fellowship based?

Canberra, Australia.

Is this a full-time position?

Yes.

What is the contract duration?

Three years, ending in December 2029.

What qualifications are required?

A PhD in Political Science, Sociology, Media & Communication, Philosophy, or a related discipline.

What salary is offered?

AUD $116,403–$137,865 per year plus 17% superannuation.

What documents are required?

CV, Cover Letter, One-page Research Plan, and Writing Samples.

What is the application deadline?

10 August 2026.

Where can I apply?

Applications must be submitted through the official University of Canberra recruitment portal.