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Shirley and John Sarks Chair in Age-related Macular Degeneration, School of Clinical Medicine

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University of New South Wales

Sydney, NSW

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Shirley and John Sarks Chair in Age-related Macular Degeneration, School of Clinical Medicine

Associate Professor – Professor (Level D-E)

10 May 2026

Location

Sydney, NSW

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Type

Full-time (35 hours/week) or Part-time (negotiable)

Visa Sponsorship

Required Qualifications

PhD in AMD-related field
Research leadership & high-impact publications
Academic excellence
Interdisciplinary partnerships
Ophthalmology expertise (desirable)

Research Areas

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Blinding eye diseases
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Shirley and John Sarks Chair in Age-related Macular Degeneration, School of Clinical Medicine

Shirley and John Sarks Chair in Age-related Macular Degeneration, School of Clinical Medicine

Job no: 538948
Work type: Full Time, Part Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Professor, Associate Professor

  • Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week) or Part-time (to be negotiated)
  • Level: Associate Professor – Professor (Level D-E)
  • Duration: Initial 5-year appointment for the Chair appointment, plus a continuing substantive appointment
  • Remuneration: Competitive salary (level D or E depending on experience) plus 17% superannuation, leave loading and other loadings as applicable). Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship will also be offered if required. Personal research support package (to be negotiated).
  • Location: School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Kensington Campus co-located with the UNSW Health Translation Hub

The Unique Partnership to advance research in age-related macular degeneration

The University of New South Wales in partnership with the Sarks Macular Degeneration Research Foundation is advancing Australia’s capacity to address age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other blinding eye diseases. Through a transformational philanthropic commitment from the Foundation, UNSW is seeking to appoint the inaugural Shirley and John Sarks Chair in Age-related Macular Degeneration. The Chair will continue the legacy of Dr Shirley and John with a unique opportunity to access the Sarks archives as part of their research program.

The Opportunity

Based within UNSW Medicine & Health’s School of Clinical Medicine, this role represents a unique opportunity to drive world-class research into age-related macular degeneration (AMD) the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries and other blinding eye diseases. The role will be filled through an international recruitment process, attracting a world-leading researcher or physician-researcher to UNSW’s Faculty of Medicine & Health. AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries. The new research Chair seeks to attract a world-leading researcher to UNSW’s Faculty of Medicine & Health who will advance knowledge into the causes and cures for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other blinding eye diseases, in line with the Faculty’s Better, Equitable Health for All Strategy . The Chair will undertake a world class clinical and or laboratory research program in AMD in the Faculty’s School of Clinical Medicine.

Please see our faculty brochure which contains more information about the role and its origins. Medicine and Health-Sarks Chair brochure

Key skills required:

Level D

  • A PhD (or equivalent) in a basic science and/or clinical discipline related to Age related macular degeneration.
  • Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
  • Significant track record in research leadership with outcomes of high quality and high international impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence and deliver research leadership.
  • Demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding contribution to research and scholarship.
  • Demonstrated leadership in building engagement and partnerships with the profession and industry.

Level E (in addition to the above)

  • Significant track record in age related macular degeneration research leadership, with publications of high quality and high international impact, with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence and deliver research leadership.
  • Demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding contribution to research and scholarship, including leadership of teams and projects.
  • Demonstrated leadership in engagement and partnerships with the funders, the profession, stakeholders, industry and the broader community.
  • Substantial experience in high quality supervision of higher degree research and undergraduate research students and postdoctoral research staff.
  • Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to work and influence across disciplines, faculties, institutions, industry and professional bodies.

Desirable:

  • A medical practitioner with expertise in ophthalmology who ideally is registered or eligible to be registered in Australia (AHPRA).

Full details can be found in the position description.

UNSW Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:

  • Flexible working
  • Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
  • Access to lifelong learning and career development
  • Progressive HR practices

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a separate cover letter addressing the key skills and experience for the role listed in the Position Description.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

  • Confirmation of Aboriginality documentation
  • National and International Criminal history checks
  • Entitlement to work and ID checks
  • Working With Children Checks
  • Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
  • Verification of relevant qualifications
  • Verification of relevant professional membership
  • Employment history and reference checks
  • Financial responsibility assessments/checks
  • Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Enquiries:

Merita O'Connell, Talent Acquisition Partner     E:  merita.oconnell@unsw.edu.au

Professor Cheryl Jones, Dean of Medicine & Health   E: cheryl.jones1@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: Sunday 10th May before 11.30pm Sydney time.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Position Description

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Shirley and John Sarks Chair in Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Candidates need a PhD (or equivalent) in a basic science or clinical discipline related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Level D requires proven research leadership with high international impact. Level E adds substantial supervision experience and interdisciplinary collaboration. Desirable: Medical practitioner with ophthalmology expertise, eligible for AHPRA registration. Full details in the Position Description. See research career advice.

📅What is the employment type and duration for this UNSW Professor role?

This is a full-time (35 hours/week) or part-time (negotiable) position at Level D-E. It includes an initial 5-year Chair appointment plus a continuing substantive appointment, based at UNSW Kensington Campus with the Health Translation Hub. Flexible working and UNSW perks apply. Explore faculty jobs for similar roles.

🌍Does this AMD Chair position offer visa sponsorship or relocation support?

Yes, visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are offered if required. Competitive salary at Level D or E plus 17% superannuation, leave loading, and a negotiated personal research support package. UNSW supports international recruits. Check research jobs with sponsorship.

📝How do I apply for the Sarks Chair at UNSW School of Clinical Medicine?

Click 'Apply now' online with your resume and a cover letter addressing key skills from the Position Description. Do not email applications. Pre-employment checks include criminal history, qualifications verification, and working with children checks. Deadline: 10 May 2026, 11:30pm Sydney time. Use our free resume template and cover letter template.

🔬What is the research focus of this Age-related Macular Degeneration Chair?

Drive world-class clinical or laboratory research into AMD, the leading cause of irreversible vision loss, and other blinding eye diseases. Access Sarks archives and partner with the Sarks Foundation at UNSW's Faculty of Medicine & Health. Aligns with Better, Equitable Health for All Strategy. Ideal for physician-researchers. View postdoc research tips and clinical research jobs.

💼What benefits does UNSW offer for this Professor position?

UNSW benefits include flexible working, additional Christmas leave, lifelong learning, and progressive HR practices. Competitive remuneration with superannuation and research support. UNSW promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+, and Indigenous peoples. More at UNSW perks info.
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