• Flexible location + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 12 months - To commence in March 2026
• Level A $83,268 - $111,939 + 17% Superannuation

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

Who are we?

The Faculty of Business and Law is committed to leading in teaching, learning, and research that drives social and economic progress. Within the faculty, the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise (SME) Research Centre focuses on solution-led research that makes a real difference. We work closely with industry and government to translate insights into practical outcomes. Our collaborative team values innovation, impact, and professional growth, creating an environment where emerging researchers can thrive and contribute to meaningful change.

About the role:

Be part of a research team that transforms ideas into solutions for businesses and communities. You’ll contribute to projects that drive innovation, collaborate with industry and government partners, and publish work that makes a real impact. This role offers the chance to grow as a researcher while shaping outcomes that matter.

As an Associate Research Fellow, you will:

• Conduct original research from planning through to analysis and reporting, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s priorities.
• Manage project delivery including timelines, resources, budgets, and compliance with ethical and operational standards.
• Drive research impact through publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and building strong partnerships with industry, government, and academic collaborators.
• Secure research funding by preparing competitive grant applications, identifying opportunities, and managing awarded grants and reporting requirements.
• Support team development by mentoring research assistants and postgraduate students, and providing guidance on research methods and project execution.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• PhD in in international business, sustainability, digital transformation, innovation, or strategy with a focus on small and medium enterprises.
• Experience in contributing to competitive grant applications (e.g. ARC, NHMRC, MRFF, CRC-P, DFAT, industry-funded or philanthropic grants), either as a named investigator or active contributor.
• Emerging research and scholarship through publications, and/or exhibitions as appropriate to the discipline
• Ability to contribute to communities through research
• Capacity to contribute to teaching, research and administration
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues
• Ability to contribute to community engagement for research

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume, a short cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Professor Rui Torres de Oliveira, IPA SME Centre Research Director via rui.torresdeoliveira@deakin.edu.au    

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 Level A - Associate Research Fellow PD.pdf

Applications for this position close on Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.