AMRI Visiting Collection Fellowship

Applications for the 2025/2026 year are now open. The closing date is Wednesday 30 April 2025.

The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) focuses on some of today’s major challenges including understanding changing biodiversity; researching major changes in earth sciences particularly in mineralogy, petrology and palaeontology; and, exploring and communicating under-represented histories and cultures.

The AM’s natural science collections and AMRI research is underpinned by significant scientific infrastructure including the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Collection Care and Conservation Lab and the Lizard Island Research Station, situated on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Combined with digital citizen science projects, high impact expeditions, and extensive networks and partners, AMRI is at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Applicants must be nominated by an AMRI staff member. The fellowship is offered to researchers intending to work across any of the Museum’s collections. Fellows are chosen for the skills, knowledge and/or expertise they bring to a specific project.

Selection Criteria:

• Significance of the scientific contribution to the Australian Museum collection of interest
• Significant research into collections held by the museum for which there is no resident staff specialist
• Clear and appropriate budget
• The project enhances the respective collections and collection data or places the collection within a new field
• Experience of the applicant relevant to his or her proposed activities.

The maximum amount of the Fellowship is $8,000 to assist with living costs, travel and research expenses (e.g. bench fees and specialist analyses). The Fellowship amount does not cover administration overheads that may be applied by your institution. Applicants must note that the budget put forward when applying will be used as a measure of selection alongside merit. Please also note that no more than $1,500 per week can be provided for per diem costs and that your budgeting of such items must remain competitive with other applicants. The maximum duration of the fellowship is 12 months.

Salary and stipend: the successful applicant cannot use any of the awarded amounts to pay salary or stipend. A statement on letterhead from an applicant's employer certifying that their salary or stipend and associated expenses will be paid by that institution during the tenure of the fellowships must accompany the application.

Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (DNA) Facilities: If you plan to use the AM’s DNA facilities to undertake molecular studies, please include this as a line item in your budget. If you need assistance with costings, please contact Dr David Alquezar, Manager, ACWG.

Collection Care and Conservation: If you plan to work with the Collection Care and Conservation team and/or use any CC&C facilities, please include this in your application. If you need further assistance, please contact Heather Bleechmore, Manager, CC&C.

Applicants are advised to liaise with the relevant AM research project leader when preparing their application. Application forms must be accompanied by a statement of support by that AM researcher. Successful candidates are responsible for arranging their own travel and visas (if required).

Application checklist:

• Read and understand the Terms and Conditions of the Fellowship;
• Complete and submit the application form;
• Submit a Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and the names and contact details of at least two referees;
• Provide a signed statement of support from your Organisation/University, including how they will administer the funds and why your project should be funded; and
• Provide a Statement of support from an Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) staff member.

One electronic copy (via email) of the documents listed below must be sent to:

Australian Museum Research Institute
Australian Museum
Email AMRI.