2026 Neonatal Fellow

• Location: Sunshine Hospital
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term (until April 2027)
• Salary: HM25-30 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the Role:

Applications are invited from dynamic and enthusiastic Neonatal Fellows for positions in Newborn Services at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital. Newborn Services has positions for Fellows in Clinical Neonatology/Education, Quality Improvement and Research.

The 12-month positions allow the applicants to develop and progress their skills in the care of the unwell newborn. The fellow(s) will have split clinical roles with either Education or Quality Improvement or a Research component. The successful applicants will have at least 12 months of experience in a level 6 (or equivalent) neonatal intensive care unit.

All Fellow positions include training in the assessment and management of newborns in consultation with the duty neonatologist. In addition, the successful candidates will develop leadership skills in the teaching and supervision of junior medical staff.

Come join our team to share in the exciting and unique opportunity to gain additional skills in a protected and supportive environment.

Neonatal Clinical/Research Fellow:

The role of the Neonatal Research Fellow will be to conduct neonatal research in Newborn Services as part of the fulfillment of a higher doctoral degree. This will comprise protected time for research training and on-site supervision of a higher doctoral degree. In addition, the Neonatal Research Fellow will undertake clinical service in NICU, SCN, PNW and follow up clinics under the supervision and direction of the Duty Consultant or Head of Unit.

The positions comprise the following training opportunities within the Newborn Services Unit:

• To undertake clinical research as part of a fulfillment of a higher doctoral degree in keeping with University of Melbourne’s requirements
• Develop knowledge and skills in conducting and integrating clinical research into neonatal practice
• Provide and consolidate skills in the acute management of neonatal patients in the delivery room setting as well as later presentations of acutely ill newborns
• Participate in multidisciplinary neonatal follow up clinics
• Participate in unit educational and quality activities

Successful applicants for the Neonatal Fellow Position can expect:

• Completion of higher research degree through rostered time dedicated to training and conduct of clinical research.
• State of the art equipment and facilities

Click here for the Neonatal Research Fellow Position Description.

Neonatal Clinical/Education Fellow:

The purpose of the Neonatal Education Fellow position is to provide teaching and research opportunities in medical education and to support senior neonatal trainees pursuing postgraduate certification or higher degrees in clinical and simulation education or educational research, in addition Neonatal Education Fellow will undertake clinical service in NICU, SCN, PNW and follow up clinics under the supervision and direction of the Duty Consultant or Head of Unit.

Newborn Services offers a highly supportive and education-focused environment for senior neonatal trainees seeking to develop expertise in medical education. The Neonatal Education Fellow will be embedded within a rapidly growing neonatal unit and supported by a multidisciplinary education team, including consultant neonatologists with postgraduate qualifications in education and experienced neonatal nurse educators, providing structured mentorship, supervision, and protected time for development.  

The position comprises the following training opportunities within the Newborn Services unit:

• Supervision for candidates who are pursuing a postgraduate certificate or higher degree in clinical education, clinical simulation, or educational research programs (e.g. EXCITE/Master of Clinical Education program through the University of Melbourne, Master of Health Professions Education and Clinical Simulation through Monash University)
• Develop program coordination and facilitation skills in simulation-based education: receive training in facilitating the NeoResus program, weekly in-situ simulation training in management of deteriorating patients, cross-disciplinary training with anaesthetics and obstetrics in crisis management, translational simulation, and participate in the Western Health simulation community of practice training activities
• Deliver clinical teaching to medical students: facilitate tutorials, bedside teaching, simulations and participate in medical student assessments
• Mentoring and supervision: provide mentorship and support for final year medical students rotating through their neonatal term
• Lead education initiatives: organise and help coordinate programs such as the Melbourne Neonatal Fellowship Program training day, and orientation week
• Participate in program and curriculum development: be a part of the neonatal education team and contribute to innovative development of the medical and interprofessional education program and activities

Successful applicants for the Neonatal Fellow Position can expect:

• Rostered time dedicated to delivering educational initiatives, training, and completion of their educational project/research work
• Support and direct supervision from an education lead neonatal supervisor
• Support and inclusion from the wider neonatal education team

Click here for the Neonatal Education Fellow Position Description.

Neonatal Clinical/Quality Improvement Fellow:

The role of the Neonatal Quality Improvement (QI) fellow will be to implement and lead quality improvement initiatives within the unit. This will involve specific training in quality improvement methodologies, with the opportunity to become an educator in this field. There will be protected time for training and supervision. In addition, the Neonatal QI Fellow will undertake clinical service in NICU, SCN, PNW and follow up clinics under the supervision and direction of the Duty Consultant or Head of Unit.

The position comprises the following training opportunities within the Newborn Services Unit:

• Undergo training in quality improvement methodologies, including working towards facilitator status with Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ) framework
• Initiate and lead a quality improvement initiative to improve practice within our unit
• Participate in monthly Newborn Services departmental quality meetings
• Participate in unit educational activities
• Develop leadership skills in the supervision and teaching of junior medical staff and medical students

Successful applicants for the Neonatal Fellow Position can expect:

• Rostered time dedicated to training and implementing quality improvement initiatives
• Direct supervision from a quality improvement lead neonatal supervisor
• Support and inclusion from the wider quality improvement working group  

Click here for the Neonatal Quality Improvement Fellow Position Description.

About Western Health

Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs. 

With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.  

We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.  

We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges. 

Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall. 

Why join us? 

Compensation and benefits 

• Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards. 

• Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements. 

• Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey. 

Learning and development opportunities 

• Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways. 

• Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education. 

• Mentorship and career support. 

Community impact and inclusion 

• Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care. 

• Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion. 

• Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research. 

Organisational culture and environment 

• Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment. 

• Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare. 

Ready to make an impact? 

If you’re passionate about the delivery of Best Care in a neonatal healthcare setting, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts. 

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.  

Closing date: 11:59pm on 13 April 2026.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Dr Clare Collins (Head of Neonatology) via Clare.Collins@wh.org.au. 

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable). 

Western Health is committed to the psychosocial safety of all applicants and employees.

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.

Western Health