Position overview

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.

This is a clinical research focused position, in which clinicians who have completed core training in a relevant specialty will be mentored to develop a relevant clinical research interest. Limited service provision, which may include on-call, will be included. Suitable candidates will be encouraged to consider enrolment in a research higher degree during their appointment.

This position is suitable for clinicians who have recently completed or are nearing completion of specialist training in Medical Oncology, Haematology, Radiation Oncology, Palliative Care or Immunology. Applications are sought for the 2027 clinical year for a period of 12 months with possible extension. To be eligible to apply applicants must have completed two core training years in their speciality and be PGY7+ by February 2027.

The Canberra Region Cancer Centre is based at the Canberra Hospital. It provides a comprehensive service in cancer and immune diseases to the region through Medical Oncology, Haematology, Immunology, Radiation Oncology and Palliative Care. The facility includes four linear accelerators, a large day treatment centre, and inpatient wards.

Canberra Hospital is the principal referral hospital for Canberra and the South-East region of New South Wales serving a population well over half a million people. The hospital is well equipped with approximately 600 beds and provides a wide range of medical services. Canberra Hospital is the major teaching hospital of the ANU Medical School and has well-developed postgraduate teaching programs. There are excellent opportunities for research on the Canberra Hospital campus and at the Australian National University and University of Canberra.

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Undertake research in areas of medical interest related to the clinical practice or science of cancer, haematology, immunology or palliative care.
• Develop methodological skills in the conduct of clinical research.
• Conduct at least one outpatient clinic in the Canberra Regional Cancer Centre to support the clinical service for new patients referred to the Centre and for patients already known to the Centre, under supervision of an appropriate consultant.
• Support registrars and nurse practitioners in the management and care of patients presenting to the Rapid Assessment areas of the clinical departments of the Division of Cancer and Ambulatory Support
• Contribute to the clinical governance of the Centre by supporting clinical audit, morbidity and mortality review and by practicing evidence-based medicine. Support actively the development of Quality and Safety activities of the Centre
• Contribute to the education and training of all members of the multidisciplinary team, including the training of junior medical staff and the teaching of medical students.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• High-level communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

Essential

• Hold an Australian MBBS medical degree or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Tertiary qualifications in medicine and undertaking or have recently completed training as a specialist physician in oncology, haematology or immunology
• Have identified a clinical research mentor at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre and together identified a shared area of research interest to develop during the fellowship
• Has completed at least 48 months of full-time equivalent experience in a recognised registrar training position and substantially completed fellowship training

Desirable

• Have a proven track record of research engagement, demonstrated by peer-reviewed presentations and publications
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement, successful candidates will be required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you require (key selection criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé, experience and referee reports.

1. Proven experience in a teaching hospital with satisfactory progress in a specialist training program in cancer, haematology and immunology or palliative care, with demonstrated potential for clinical leadership.
2. Demonstrated interest or expertise in clinical audit, morbidity and mortality review and the development of Quality and Safety activities.
3. Demonstrated interest in conducting research in a relevant area of clinical or scientific practice. Interest in a research higher degree (MD or PHD) is desirable and supported.
4. Demonstrated area of research interest to pursue during the fellowship, defined in partnership with an identified mentor at Canberra Region Cancer Centre
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.