With the ongoing objective of enhancing relationships across the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Alliance members, this position is offered as an honorary opportunity from within a member organisation or Regional Partner site, to join the VCCC Alliance’s expert Collaborative Leadership team.
The Head and Neck Cancer Research and Education (R&E) Lead will champion aligned Head & Neck Cancer initiatives within the VCCC Alliance 2024-2029 Strategy. The Head and Neck Cancer R&E Lead will be an integral member of the Collaborative Leadership, a multidisciplinary and cross functional program incorporating 10 tumour stream and four cross cutting theme Research and Education (R&E) Leads, whose purpose is to facilitate the more rapid translation of research derived evidence into clinical care. They will assist in identifying and driving the ongoing development and implementation of work that contributes to achieving a range of targeted and strategic outcomes.
The Head and Neck Cancer R&E Lead will provide leadership and support to build capability and capacity of head & neck cancer initiatives in alignment with the VCCC Alliance 2024-2029 Strategy, the Victorian Cancer Plan and the Australian Cancer Plan. The role will also assist in the coordination and facilitation of activities that contribute to, build upon and collaborate with others to enable change across the cancer pathway.
Working with the guidance of the VCCC Alliance Director Strategic Programs and Director of Education, the Head and Neck Cancer R&E Lead will provide leadership, strategic direction and expert advice for the research and education/training aspects of the head and neck cancer stream of the broader VCCC Alliance R&E Lead program, with the goal of embedding the latest research and evidence more quickly into routine clinical practice. These roles will be supported by the VCCC Alliance research and education teams. Whilst the role is Honorary, there may be project specific funding allocated to the Head and Neck Cancer R&E Lead, eg. if the Lead is a named investigator on a successful grant submission.
This role requires a pro-active and highly motivated individual with significant experience in developing and implementing complex head and neck cancer initiatives, and who can establish strong collaborative relationships with staff across the VCCC Alliance, within member organisations, and with external stakeholders.
Key objectives of the R&E Lead program are to:
The Head and Neck Cancer R&E Lead will:
1. Champion collaboration across the VCCC Alliance and integrate research into clinical care through identified research and education initiatives
2. Provide expert advice on Head and Neck Cancer to contribute to the VCCC Alliance’s strategic planning processes.
3. Continue to assess the Head and Neck Cancer landscape across the VCCC Alliance to gain an understanding of where the VCCC Alliance can add value to the Head and Neck Cancer stream of the R&E Lead program, in the areas of research, education, leadership, knowledge translation and advocacy
4. Continue to build on the work of the previous R&E Leads in Head and Neck Cancer
5. Lead and advocate for the inclusion of consumers in the development and implementation of research and education activities
6. Act as an ambassador for the VCCC Alliance by:
• increasing awareness of the role of the VCCC Alliance
• identifying key opportunities for VCCC Alliance engagement
• speaking publicly about VCCC Alliance programs in the media, scientific and clinical communities
• contributing content to the VCCC Alliance newsletter and annual report as appropriate
• other communication activities as and when appropriate
• represent the VCCC Alliance on appropriate governance, government relations, grant and other appropriate opportunities
7. Provide input regarding the evaluation of the collaborative model of leadership to inform future planning, with the aim of continuing to drive impactful collaborative initiatives toward improved patient outcomes
8. Assist in the selection process, and provide mentorship and support to the Honorary Head and Neck Cancer R&E Deputy Lead role (there is an intention to appoint Honorary Deputy Leads in 2025 to ensure there is succession and future proofing of the program)
9. Participate in quarterly R&E Lead Program meetings with VCCC Alliance Executive and Program team
10. Facilitate sponsorship connections to suitable industry and pharmaceutical contacts
Skills and Experience
Qualifications
Availability to commit to responsibilities of the role until 30 June 2029
For further information about VCCC Alliance, please go to our website.
For confidential enquiries regarding applying for this role, please contact
Head of Research, Dr Mark Buzza +61 407 553 501 or [email protected]
In the interests of finding a candidate with the most relevant expertise and experience, this position will be advertised both within and outside the VCCC Alliance member network. A secondment opportunity will be considered for candidates from VCCC Alliance members.
To express your interest in this role, please send your CV and covering letter outlining the key reasons for your interest in the role, specifically addressing the key selection criteria in this EOI document to Dr Mark Buzza [email protected], no later than 11.00pm, Monday 9 September 2024.
