"Paul and Katherine Gobits Chair in Pancreatic Cancer Research"

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most complex and urgent challenges in oncology, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. The University of Sydney is committed to advancing solutions that will transform outcomes for people affected by this disease.

As part of this commitment, the University is establishing the Paul and Katherine Gobits Chair in Pancreatic Cancer Research at the Kolling Institute, providing a unique opportunity to lead world-class research in pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal cancers.

The University of Sydney is seeking an outstanding, internationally recognised academic clinician-researcher or translational scientist to occupy this prestigious Chair. Establishing this role creates an in-house leader who can unify efforts across disciplines, focus attention on pancreatic cancer, and drive a collaborative research hub that accelerates discovery and impact.

The successful candidate will have the vision, expertise, and leadership to develop and implement a pioneering research program in therapeutic development-building on existing strengths and translating discoveries into tangible improvements in diagnostics, treatments, and patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive research agenda to advance understanding of pancreatic biology and develop personalised approaches to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
• Translate research findings into clinical practice, influencing standards of care nationally and internationally.
• Publish and disseminate research innovations in high-impact journals, conferences, and global forums.
• Attraction funding from government grants, industry partnerships, and philanthropic sources to sustain and grow the research program.
• Build and nurture a collaborative ecosystem for gastrointestinal research, fostering national and international partnerships and strengthening capacity and expertise in the field.
• Drive therapeutic discovery and development to deliver novel interventions that improve patient outcomes in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.
• Mentor and inspire the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians to ensure enduring impact and ongoing advancement in pancreatic and gastrointestinal health.

Skills, Capabilities and Experience

The successful candidate will be a distinguished clinician-researcher or translational scientist with demonstrated leadership capability and an international reputation in pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal oncology, with a demonstrated track record in therapeutic development. You will hold a PhD (or equivalent research qualification) and bring the vision, expertise, and track record to drive translational research that advances diagnostics, therapeutic discovery, and patient outcomes.

You will also demonstrate:

• An established reputation in pancreatic and/or gastrointestinal oncology, with leadership in clinical translational research with evidence of collaboration with industry, clinical trial centres, collaborative trials groups and clinical services.
• An internationally recognised record of high-impact publications, competitive research funding, and leadership in pioneering translational research.
• Proven experience in managing and developing research groups, centres, or academic departments, including mentoring early- and mid-career researchers.
• A wide network of relationships with key academic, clinical, industry, philanthropic, and professional stakeholders that can be leveraged to enhance the standing and impact of the Kolling Institute, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the University of Sydney.
• The vision and capacity to influence policy, clinical practice, and global standards of care in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.
• A strong record of collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and sectors to foster innovation and achieve translational impact.

The successful candidate will be offered a five-year fixed term position on a full-time basis. The appointment is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.