2027 Colorectal Research Fellow

• Location: Footscray/Sunshine
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term (2027 clinical year)
• Salary: Classification HM25-30 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging

About the role:

This is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic General Surgeon who has recently completed their SET training, achieved FRACS and who would like to pursue training in colorectal surgery and develop an academic career, under the clinical supervision of Associate Professor Ian Faragher, Head of the Colorectal Unit, Western Health, and Professor Justin Yeung, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Head of the Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Western Health.

This is a one-year colorectal fellowship which has a 50% clinical and a 50% research and education component, allowing the fellow to develop essential skills in both surgery as well as research and teaching. There is also an opportunity for the post holder to extend this position to two years, enabling them to register and submit their research towards a higher degree with the University of Melbourne.

Currently there are two PhD students, one DMedSci and one Masters Students in the department. The department’s research interests include AI in predictive tools to tailor colorectal cancer treatment and improve on cancer outcomes, as well as integration of prehabilitation into clinical practice.

Western Health is a busy teaching hospital and has in-patient care divided between two major sites (Footscray and Sunshine Hospital). The colorectal unit is a very busy unit, dealing with a high volume of complex colorectal conditions, treating over 250 cancer patients each year. Currently there are 6 consultant colorectal surgeons, one CSSANZ accredited colorectal fellow, one Research Fellows, one SET registrar, one non accredited registrar, one resident and three interns on the firm.

This position will allow the fellow to develop advanced clinical management and surgical skills in the field of colorectal cancer, as well as opportunities to develop their endoscopy skills and benign perianal work. The fellow will be well supported and will be exposed to a wide range of surgery.

The Fellow’s weekly timetable will be split between providing clinical support as well as undertake research and be involved in educational development and leadership. It is anticipated that the Fellow will help continue to develop the Western Health colorectal research programme in conjunction with Professor Justin Yeung, as well as support an educational curriculum for the Western Clinical School. At Western Health there is also the West SuRG (Western Health Surgery Research Group) collaborative which will also be overseen and supported by the Fellow. Prior fellows have been successful in CSSANZ selection for interview and entry into CSSANZ fellowship training.

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in on-going assessment of competencies via college assessment forms
• Work under the supervision and support of the Head of Unit or Receiving Consultant to further develop general clinical and decision-making skills
• Perform unit duties as delegated by the Unit Head or Receiving Consultant in accordance with Western Health policies and procedures and relevant legislation
•  Ensure notification to the appropriate consultant of patients referred to the Department, and provision of initial assessment of referred patients 

About you:

To be successful in this role, you:

• Must hold a Fellowship in General Surgery of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and be committed to a two-year fixed term appointment.
• Current GESA certification in colonoscopy would be preferable.

Click here for the 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. We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions.

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 providing clinical leadership and management of patients and undertaking clinical duties for the Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, 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 29 July 2026.

Enquiries:  Interested individuals are welcome to contact Professor Justin Yeung (Colorectal Surgeon) for an informal discussion via Justin.Yeung@unimelb.edu.au. 

More information about the research department can be found here: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/surgery/about-us/department-precincts/western-campus

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 Immunization 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