The Metcalf Family Cancer Research Fellowship

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is Australia’s oldest medical research institute, founded in 1915.

The Institute has more than 850 researchers who are working to understand, prevent and treat diseases including: cancers such as breast, blood and bowel cancers; immune disorders such as diabetes, coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis; and infectious diseases including malaria, hepatitis B and HIV.

Our affiliation with The Royal Melbourne Hospital links research outcomes with clinical practice to accelerate discoveries for health and disease. We offer postgraduate training as the Department of Medical Biology of The University of Melbourne.

More than 30 million people worldwide have been helped by discoveries made at the Institute and more than 100 national and international clinical trials are underway that originate from Institute research. This include trials of vaccines and therapies for type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease and malaria; trials of new anti-inflammatory agents for arthritis and other immune disorders; and trials of a new class of anti-cancer drugs, called BH3-mimetics, for treating patients with leukaemia and other cancers.

About the position

Established in memory of Professor Don Metcalf, one of the founders of modern haematology, best known for his pioneering discovery of colony stimulating factors.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a mid-career medical graduate and researcher, who has the potential to make a significant contribution to advancing understanding and treatment of blood cancer.

The successful candidate will join Australia’s premier medical research institute, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute with an initial seven-year fellowship and the opportunity to renew based on performance.

Today, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has more than 400 cancer researchers working collaboratively across 15 research divisions. The Institute has a tradition of taking a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing major research questions and is highly-respected for its 50-year track record in improving understanding and treatment of blood cancers.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for working within an academic setting, a commitment to the Institute’s collaborative approach and enthusiasm for engaging more broadly with the Institute’s stakeholders, including the University of Melbourne, major teaching hospitals, the private sector, government, supporters, donors and the general public. Candidates wanting to combine research with clinical duties will be viewed favourably.

The fellowship has been established with the support of the Metcalf family in order to encourage and support a high-calibre candidate to advance their career as a cancer researcher and ultimately take a leadership role at the Institute.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Metcalf Family Cancer Research Fellow with a single-line grant of $400,000 per annum for an initial seven-year period, with renewal for additional periods dependent on performance. The Fellow’s salary will depend upon their qualifications and experience. Up to 17% superannuation and attractive salary packaging options are available.

The Institute is highly supportive of women scientists. A new childcare facility commenced in early 2017 with a proposed completion date of 2018. Attractive awards including a childcare fellowship (Craven and Shearer Award) and additional technical assistance (Page Betheras Award) during and after maternity leave. Mentoring programs and a strong postdoctoral association contribute to an outstanding career opportunity for an ambitious junior postdoc.

Key selection criteria for the Metcalf Family Research fellow:

• Medical graduate           
• An excellent academic record           
• A compelling research plan           
• A commitment to translation           
• Inspirational leadership           
• Proven interpersonal and collaborative skills in achieving research outcomes

Further information

A position description is available under Career Opportunities on our website; http://www.wehi.edu.au.

General enquiries can be directed to Professor Warren Alexander.

How to apply

Please email your application including cover letter, CV and a letter addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format to jobapplications@wehi.edu.au, quoting reference number WEHI/CACRF in the subject line.

Application closing date: 18 November 2017

At the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute we strive to ensure our staff and students enjoy a great working environment.  We value diversity and gender equity in our work force and promote flexible working arrangements for staff to balance working requirements and personal needs. We have implemented a number of gender equity initiatives to support female laboratory heads.