Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow

About the opportunity

The Daffodil Centre is a world-leading research centre, directly influencing policy decisions and real-world public health and clinical practice. The Centre is a partnership that combines the complementary strengths of the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW to accelerate progress in cancer prevention, early detection and cancer outcomes across the population. The partnership has created an unparalleled centre of national and international research excellence where research results in real-world improvements to reduce the burden from cancer in the community. Join the Daffodil Centre at the University of Sydney and contribute to research that is shaping the future of cancer control in Australia and internationally. Either as a Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow, you will bring recognised expertise and an established research profile to an environment where research excellence is translated into meaningful outcomes for policy, practice and communities.

Working with a high degree of autonomy and under broad direction, you will lead impactful research, pursue competitive funding opportunities, build strategic partnerships and provide expert advice within your area of expertise, ideally related to cancer prevention or early detection with a population focus. You will play an important role in strengthening the Centre's research standing and influence, while mentoring emerging researchers and contributing to its broader strategic, academic and governance priorities. This is an opportunity to build on your national reputation for research excellence, expand your influence within your discipline and contribute to the Daffodil Centre's mission to deliver research that makes a real difference to cancer control.

We would like to hear from early- or mid-career researchers who have completed a PhD related to public health, epidemiology, health services research, health economics, biostatistics, implementation science, behavioural science, health policy or clinical fields. Experience working with priority populations as defined in the Australian Cancer Plan will be highly regarded. Mentoring and career development opportunities will be provided.

A description of the Daffodil Centre and its teams is available on the Centre website. Have a preference for a certain research project and/or research team? Feel free to specify within your application when applying for the role.

Your key responsibilities as an Academic Level B Research Fellow:

• Conduct high-quality original cancer research independently and collaboratively, contributing to publications, conference presentations and competitive research funding applications.
• Build and maintain a strong research profile through peer-reviewed publications, conference and seminar presentations, and other scholarly outputs.
• Develop research collaborations and contribute to translational research that informs policy and practice and delivers meaningful outcomes for the community, profession and government.
• Contribute to the development of competitive research grant applications and research activities that generate impact and support the strategic priorities of the Daffodil Centre and University.
• Provide training, informal mentoring and guidance to colleagues and postgraduate research students, where appropriate, while contributing to a positive, collaborative and inclusive research culture.
• Develop productive relationships with research partners, government, industry and other external stakeholders, contributing expertise to forums, seminars, conferences and public debate.

In addition to the above, as an Academic Level C Senior Research Fellow:

• Establish and nurture partnerships and collaborations that support cancer research and deliver meaningful outcomes across policy, practice and research.
• Mentor and support early-career researchers, contributing to a collaborative culture of academic excellence, inclusion and innovation.
• Contribute to the Centre's research, governance and strategic priorities, including academic committees, community engagement and activities that strengthen the impact and profile of the Daffodil Centre.

About you as an Academic Level B Research Fellow:

• Completed PhD, with demonstrated expertise in cancer research methodologies, design and delivery.
• A developing research profile, with evidence of original research, scholarly publications, presentations and/or other research outputs relevant to your discipline or area of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, applying sound judgement to research activities and providing informed advice and recommendations.
• A developing network of academic, government, and professional partners and stakeholders, with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proven experience in planning and organising research activities, as well as supervising, mentoring or supporting colleagues and/or research students where appropriate.

In addition to the above, as an Academic Level C Senior Research Fellow:

• A proven track record of research leadership, with the ability to develop influential research programs and contribute to expanding knowledge and practice.
• Significant experience supervising and mentoring researchers, with a commitment to supporting the development of emerging academic talent.
• An established network across academic, government, and professional institutions, partners and stakeholders, with the ability to leverage these relationships to strengthen research collaboration and impact.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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. In your cover letter (no more than 2 pages), please outline your research area of interest and proposed research ideas for the Fellowship, and how it would fit with the Daffodil Centre.

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 Level C Senior Research Fellow Position Description.

Click to view the Level B Research Fellow Position Description.

Applications Close

Sunday 01 November 2026 11:59 PM