Research Fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Research (Identified)

• Full-Time or Part-Time (0.6 FTE minimum), 2-year fixed-term opportunity, with possible extension

• Opportunity to work in a new partnership between two Flagship Research Centres, The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and The Daffodil Centre, focused on reducing inequity in cancer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

• Base Salary $127,436 - $151,328 (pro-rata for part-time) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

Click here to read the Faculty of Medicine and Health, First Nations Employment Brochure.

The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and the Daffodil Centre are two Flagship Research Centres at the University of Sydney with a shared vision to address inequities in health. The Centres have joined forces to harness collective expertise to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer research and improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes through the publication and translation of co-designed research – the Daffodil Centre, through its overarching commitment to reducing inequities related to cancer and the Poche Centre, through its specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focus and partnerships.

Co-designed and co-supported by the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and the Daffodil Centre, this joint Postdoctoral Research Fellowship aims to synergise the strengths of both Flagship Centres to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer research that seeks to improve health outcomes. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Daffodil and Poche Centres, on a 2-year Fellowship with the possibility of a 1-year extension, subject to performance and available funding. This career-launching role will support the Fellow to develop momentum towards becoming an independent researcher.

We would like to hear from early career researchers who have recently completed a PhD related

to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, public health, epidemiology or health services research, with a strong research track record relative to opportunity. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in cancer research and a plan to have their postdoctoral research focused on improving equity and reducing disparities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.  We are looking for applicants with experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

The successful applicant can either develop their own cancer research project with the support of their supervisors, if they have a particular cancer research interest, or they can choose to work on research projects from existing areas of expertise within the Daffodil and Poche Centres. The Centres have substantial methodological expertise, including in epidemiology, biostatistics, Yarning, consumer engagement research, health economics, health services research, implementation science, behavioural science, qualitative research and health policy. In this role, the scope of the cancer research at the Daffodil Centre would be from a perspective of prevention, screening, and early diagnosis, up to the treatment and survivorship rates.

Examples of potential projects include:

• using datasets to understand risk factors for gynaecological cancer and conduct studies on how factors like menopausal age, oral contraceptive use and other reproductive factors influence health outcomes.

• leading a program of collaborative research examining skin cancer prevention and early detection in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This could include describing the epidemiology, incidence, mortality, risk factors and clinical management using linked datasets; and/or leading mixed methods research to inform the culturally acceptable design of a Roadmap for a National Targeted Skin Cancer Screening Program.

How we can support you

Culturally responsive mentorship and supervision, as well as connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research networks within the Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH) will be provided through the Poche Centre. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postdoctoral Fellows will also be connected to the FMH First Nations Staff Network and the University Yura Staff Network. The Daffodil Centre provides the opportunity to connect with the Daffodil Centre Early and Mid-Career researcher (DREAM) network and offers career development opportunities. Both Centres link to activities in the wider Faculty of Medicine and Health Early and Mid-Career Research Network, supervised grant and publication writing sessions and professional development opportunities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct high-quality original research independently and collaboratively, generating outcomes that advance cancer research and improve health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Build and maintain a strong research profile through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and other scholarly outputs aligned with career stage expectations.

• Develop and sustain meaningful research collaborations with academic, community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders to support culturally grounded and translational research.

• Contribute to the development of competitive research grant applications to strengthen research capacity and impact across the Centres.

• Ensure excellence in research design, methodology, and delivery, adhering to ethical standards and culturally responsive research principles.

• Support supervision, mentoring, and research-related activities, while contributing to an inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven research environment.

About you

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 a Postdoctoral Research Fellow who:

• Has submitted or been awarded their PhD within the past 3 years (accounting for career disruption) in one of the above-mentioned disciplines

• Has experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. 

• Strong consumer engagement skills, especially in relation to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians 

• Seeking to develop an academic career in cancer research

• Enthusiastic to apply cancer research to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

• Demonstrated experience conducting original research and contributing to scholarly activity, with a developing research profile in the discipline or area of expertise.

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to deliver clear, engaging presentations and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with academic, industry, and community partners.

• Well-developed planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Experience in supervising and mentoring students or junior staff, alongside strong computer literacy and a commitment to service excellence.

This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Applicants will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as per the University's Confirmation of Identity Policy 2015

To be eligible for this position, you must provide a statement and supporting documentation that addresses how you meet each of the following criteria for Aboriginality:

i. be of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; and

ii. identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; and

iii. be accepted as such by the community in which they live or have lived.

The University may request further information from applicants as required. Supporting documentation may include, but is not limited to, a letter of Aboriginality signed under the common seal from a recognised incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community organisation such as Land Council or Elders group, Aboriginal Medical Service or a letter on letterhead from a Local Aboriginal Land Council demonstrating membership of the Council.

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.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

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 roshik.prasad@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close