Research Fellow

• 5x Full-time or Part-Time, 12-month, fixed-term opportunities (with possible extension)

• Exciting opportunity to join a dynamic research team working on melanoma and skin cancer research with a population focus at the Daffodil Centre

• Offering a base salary range of Academic Level B $127,436 - $151,328 or Academic Level C $156,103 - $179,998 (pro-rata for part-time) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Daffodil Centre is a world-leading cancer research centre, directly influencing policy decisions and clinical practice across the cancer control continuum. The Daffodil Centre combines the complementary strengths of Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney to accelerate progress in cancer care and outcomes across the population. The partnership has created an unparalleled centre of national and international research excellence where research leads to real-world improvements to reduce the burden of cancer in the community.

We are seeking several Research Fellows to join the Melanoma and Skin Cancer research team at the Daffodil Centre, on 12-month fixed-term research-focused positions. Extension beyond twelve months may be possible, dependent on funding and performance. The Melanoma and Skin Cancer team, led by Professor Anne Cust, conducts collaborative, multidisciplinary research with a public health focus. The team has strong links with Melanoma Institute Australia.

There are several positions available to work on funded NHMRC grants focused predominantly on melanoma prevention, early detection and screening. There are different research projects available, depending on the skills and experience of the candidate.

We are interested in applicants with a PhD, with a strong research track record relative to opportunity, and with disciplinary expertise in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, implementation science, behavioural science, qualitative research or health policy. Applicants may have experience in these research fields, either at a general population level or with a specific focus on cancer, health equity, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, or rural and remote areas.

Mentoring and career development opportunities will be provided.

Your key responsibilities as an Academic Level B Research Fellow will be to:

• Conduct original research independently and collaboratively, producing high-quality publications, conference presentations, and securing research funding.

• Develop and maintain a strong research profile through peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and seminar or conference contributions.

• Build research collaborations and engage in translational research that drives policy improvement, or patient or community benefit.

• Contribute to successful competitive research grant applications and funding proposals to deliver measurable research impact.

• Provide assistance with supervision, training, and mentoring to postgraduate students and early-career researchers, fostering academic growth and development.

• Actively contribute to the strategic direction and culture of the Centre/Faculty through committee participation, external engagement, and knowledge sharing.

Your key responsibilities as an Academic Level C Senior Research Fellow (in addition to the above) will be to:

• Lead and secure competitive research grants, explore diverse funding opportunities, and develop translational projects that drive knowledge transfer, policy improvement, and patient or community impact.

• Supervise, mentor, and guide postgraduate students and early-career academics, fostering a positive and high-performing research culture.

• Contribute to the strategic direction, governance, and administration of the Centre/Faculty, engaging in committees, outreach, and activities that promote collaboration, diversity, and excellence.

About you as an Academic Level B Research Fellow

The university values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for Research Fellows who:

• Have completed a PhD in a relevant field (or have submitted a PhD and are awaiting examination).

• Proven experience conducting original research and engaging in scholarly activity, with a developing research profile in your discipline or area of expertise.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain networks with academic, industry, and professional partners and stakeholders.

• Experience supervising, mentoring, and supporting the development of others.

• Strong communication skills, including delivering effective presentations and engaging with diverse audiences.

• Well-developed computer literacy, research skills, planning, organisation, and customer service abilities.

About you as an Academic Level C Senior Research Fellow (in addition to the above)

• Completed PhD in a relevant field.

• Demonstrated experience working with health data, leading to successful publications.

• Wish to develop an academic career specifically in cancer research.

• Significant experience conducting original research and engaging in scholarly activity, with an established research profile and national-level reputation within your discipline.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible 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 LGBTQIA+. 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 Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to

The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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