Research Fellow

The University of Sydney

RESEARCH FELLOW IN CANCER HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
SYDNEY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
SYDNEY MEDICAL SCHOOL
REFERENCE NO. 2310/1013

Be encouraged and supported to develop an academic career in cancer services research

Full time or part time flexibility (minimum 0.6FTE)

Full time or part time fixed term to 31 March 2015, remuneration package: full time $104K - $124K p.a. which includes base salary, leave loading and up to 17% super

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7300 permanent staff, supporting over 50,000 students.

The Sydney Medical School is part of the University's Faculties of Health, the largest and most comprehensive grouping of health and medical education and research in the Asia Pacific region. Within the Sydney Medical School, the Sydney School of Public Health is a network of individuals, research groups and centres that aims to provide high-quality, accessible education, conduct outstanding, high impact research and participate effectively in professional, governmental and community activities.

Cancer Epidemiology and Services Research (CESR) has been established as a partnership between the University and the Cancer Institute NSW. The overarching aim of this novel partnership is to conduct practice- and policy-relevant epidemiological and health services research to improve outcomes for people with cancer. The group has programs across a broad spectrum of aetiological and applied epidemiological research, including research that addresses the causes of cancer, cancer prevention, screening and early detection, cancer care and outcomes. A major focus of interest is the use of population-based datasets and data linkage for cancer health services research and to develop research capacity in this field. Datasets that are managed by the Cancer Institute NSW include the NSW Central Cancer Registry (now integrating data from Area Health Service Based Clinical Cancer Registries), the NSW and ACT Hereditary Cancer Registry, the NSW Pap Test Register and BreastScreen data. CESR has offices at the Cancer Institute NSW and University of Sydney (Lifehouse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital).

We are seeking two enthusiastic and results-driven academics with a background in epidemiology and biostatistics to conduct high quality health services research using population-based cancer datasets, such as those listed above and others such as the ‘45 and up’ study. You will undertake research projects developed in collaboration with the CINSW and will also have the opportunity to develop an independent research program in the field of cancer services research. You will liaise with key stakeholders including senior staff at the CESR, the Cancer Institute NSW, policy makers and clinicians to maximise the relevance of the research to policy and practice. You will provide a vital role in identifying research opportunities and managing these projects from conception to publication and have the opportunity to contribute to research supervision of postgraduate students and junior staff.

Whilst both positions will be wholly employed by the University of Sydney one position will be located at the Cancer Institute NSW in order to facilitate data access, communication and collaboration with CESR staff and students and the Cancer Institute NSW. Some travel between the Cancer Institute NSW and the University of Sydney will be expected.

You will be a core member of a vibrant team of senior academics, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students and will be encouraged and supported to develop an academic career in cancer services research.

To succeed in securing this opportunity you will have:

Essential:

PhD or equivalent in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research or public health with a strong component in epidemiology/biostatistics

extensive experience in the design and analysis of observational or interventional epidemiological studies

experience in the design and analysis of research studies using large, population-based datasets or linked administrative datasets

advanced skills in biostatistical analyses and relevant statistical software packages (SPSS, SAS, etc) or ability to develop these skills

excellent written and verbal communication skills

track record of peer-reviewed papers and conference abstracts.

Desirable:

successful completion of cancer epidemiology or cancer services research project(s)

successful grant and funding applications

involvement in professional groups or activities of relevance to epidemiology

experience in supervision of postgraduate students.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

Interviews for these positions will be held mid-late January 2014.

CLOSING DATE: 13 January 2014 (11.00pm Sydney Time)

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University of Sydney has also established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.