Cathy Foley Early Career Research Fellowship
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) aims to pioneer paradigm-shifting quantum technologies to observe biological processes and transform our understanding of life.
Named after an Australian pioneer in quantum science and technology as well as a champion for diversity in STEM, the Cathy Foley Early Career Research Fellowship supports emerging researchers in this field.
This two-year fellowship aims to increase the diversity of the QUBIC community by supporting the recruitment and retention of Early Career Researchers from communities that typically face barriers to entry and progression in STEM and related fields.
Eligibility
Applicants must identify a QUBIC Chief Investigator who agrees to act as supervisor and host the fellowship prior to submission.
Note: Applicants who do not have a confirmed QUBIC supervisor will not be considered.
Who can apply
We welcome applicants from current ECRs who are members of the QUBIC community, as well as external applicants. The successful applicant will have submitted their PhD and will join one of the QUBIC Chief Investigator’s team in a research-intensive academic role.
How to apply
Applicants must first contact and secure agreement from a QUBIC CI to host their fellowship.
You will need to provide:
- A two-to-three-page statement of the research that will be supported over the course of the fellowship.
- A one-page statement on diversity that addresses (1) how the applicant contributes to diversity within QUBIC, as well as within their respective field(s) and (2) the applicant’s future commitment to inclusivity and equity.
- Applicant’s CV.
- A letter of support from the supervising Chief Investigator with whom the fellow will work. Specifically, the fellowship offers financial support of $77,500 per year over two years towards the salary and associated costs of the successful applicant with the remainder to be covered by the applicant’s supervising Chief Investigator.
The letter should indicate that if the applicant is successful, then the Chief Investigator is committed to supporting the remaining salary and project expenses over the course of the two-year fellowship. This letter should be sent via email from the supervising CI directly to the Inclusion, Diversity, Ethics and Access (IDEAs) Portfolio Committee ideas.qubic@uq.edu.au.
In the event of a competitive applicant pool, the selection committee may request additional information or an interview.
Application deadline is 31 July 2026.
Outcomes
Submissions will be reviewed and ranked by QUBIC’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Ethics and Access (IDEA) Portfolio Committee. This list will be forwarded to the Executive Committee for final approvals and outcomes will be communicated to applicants and their supervising Chief Investigator prior to the Annual Symposium in November.
Application & Eligibility Details