EOI: Chair, Cancer Research Advisory Committee (CRAC)

The Board of the VCCC Alliance is calling for expressions of interest for an individual to be appointed as the new Chair of the VCCC Alliance Cancer Research Advisory Committee (CRAC). This honorary role will lead the CRAC, which provides advice and recommendations on research strategy, direction and opportunities directly to the VCCC Alliance Board, and provides strategic oversight of the implementation of research-related VCCC Alliance programs.

The Chair will be appointed for an initial two-year term, commencing in December 2026, with the option of a further two-year extension.

This is an exceptional opportunity to help guide the development of the VCCC Alliance in line with its vision to integrate cancer research, education and patient care, and to provide strong leadership and advocacy for collaborative cancer research across the VCCC Alliance and Victoria.

The Committee

Established in 2009, the Cancer Research Advisory Committee (CRAC) provides expert advice on the development, implementation of best practice and quality improvement of research programming and capability across the VCCC Alliance strategic programs. The Committee is supported by a Metrics Sub Committee, which provides expertise and guidance on the collection, collation and reporting of research metrics including clinical trials activities and bibliometrics.

The role

As Chair of the CRAC, you will coordinate discussions about strategic leadership to shape and advance the VCCC Alliance's cancer research agenda across Victoria. Working closely with the VCCC Alliance Board, Chief Executive Officer, research team, member organisations and key stakeholders, you enable discussions among CRAC members to champion collaborative, consumer-informed and impact-driven research that accelerates translation from discovery to improved patient outcomes.

The Chair will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence, ensuring that the VCCC Alliance remains a recognised leader in integrated cancer research, clinical trials, data-enabled research, workforce development and implementation science.

The role provides a unique opportunity to create a space for discission on statewide research priorities, strengthen partnerships across the cancer ecosystem, and enhance Victoria's national and international profile in cancer research.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance to the CRAC and guide implementation of the VCCC Alliance research strategy.
• Advise the VCCC Alliance Board on emerging opportunities, risks, priorities and trends in cancer research, innovation and translation.
• Champion collaborative research initiatives that leverage the strengths of VCCC Alliance members, associate members and partners.
• Promote integration of research, education, workforce development and patient care across the Alliance.
• Work with the VCCC Alliance to foster partnerships with government, philanthropy, industry, research organisations and health services to strengthen research capability and impact.
• Support the identification of funding opportunities and strategic investment priorities that enhance the sustainability and growth of VCCC Alliance research programs.
• Foster discussion on research -related strategic initiatives, including monitoring progress, impact, outcomes and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with the Chairs of the Cancer Education and Training Advisory Committee (CETAC), Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee (CCAC) and other advisory groups to promote alignment and shared strategic objectives.
• Advocate for the VCCC Alliance as a leading voice for collaborative cancer research within Victoria, nationally and internationally.
• Chair quarterly CRAC meetings and facilitate effective engagement, discussion and decision-making among Committee members.
• Support the development of future research leaders and contribute to a culture of excellence, inclusion and continuous improvement across the Alliance.

Scope of the position

This honorary role will provide leadership to enable discussion of the strategic direction for CRAC and the research programs that it governs. The time commitment is associated with the four CRAC meetings per year, one VCCC Alliance Board meeting per year, and varying activities and milestones of the VCCC Alliance strategic programs.

The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Alliance

Founded in the holistic principles of the internationally recognised Comprehensive Cancer Centre model, the VCCC Alliance brings together twelve research, academic, and clinical institutions to improve cancer outcomes across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Our vision is to save lives through integrated consumer-engaged cancer research, education, and patient care. The aim is to improve cancer outcomes in metropolitan and regional Victoria, and forge new approaches to cancer research, education, and patient care for all.

Key selection criteria

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant medical/allied health/nursing qualification and/OR
• PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in research or the like

Essential Experience

• Demonstrated collaborative leadership ability
• Commitment to the research vision of the VCCC Alliance
• Capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of this role
• Excellent communication, networking, and relationship management skills
• Strong written communication skills for diverse audiences
• Experience in commercialisation or linking with industry (desirable)

Requirements

• Ability to attend all CRAC and one Board meeting per year
• Employment within a VCCC Alliance member organisation

How to apply

Please address the key selection criteria and submit your CV
by 12.00am, Monday 31 August 2026 to:

Dr Ranja Salvamoser
Senior Manager, Research
E: [email protected]