EOI: Deputy Chair, Cancer Research Advisory Committee

The VCCC Alliance is calling for leaders in cancer research to express their interests to be appointed as the newly created role of Deputy Chair of the VCCC Alliance Cancer Research Advisory Committee (CRAC).

Established in 2009, the VCCC Alliance is a partnership between 10 leading academic, research and clinical institutions in Victoria. The VCCC Alliance aims to transform cancer outcomes for all Victorians through facilitating system-level collaborations, advocating for equity and accelerating translation of research discoveries into practice.

The VCCC Alliance Strategic Program Plan 2021-24 is a comprehensive, strategic roadmap supported by the Victorian Government to improve cancer outcomes delivered through 10 programs under the key themes of Discovery, Acceleration, Equity and Leadership.

Scope of the Deputy Chair role

The Deputy Chair will play a key leadership role within CRAC which is a sub-committee of the VCCC Alliance Board. The key functions of the Deputy Chair is to support the Chair of CRAC in achieving the strategic goals of CRAC and the wider VCCC Alliance, including:

• Provide expert and strategic advice on a range of cancer research fields, including population health, laboratory-based research, translational research, clinical research, clinical trials, healthcare and health services research
• Provide advice on emerging developments, risks and opportunities across the broader cancer research sector
• Provide oversight and advice on VCCC Alliance’s strategic programs of work, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of program impact
• Facilitate collaborations and engagement with key stakeholders within the VCCC Alliance and beyond, in alignment with the vision and missions of the VCCC Alliance.

The time commitment associated with the Deputy Chair role will include attending the 4 meetings of CRAC per year. In discussion with the Chair of CRAC, the Deputy Chair may be required to chair selected meetings of CRAC in the absence of the Chair, and attend the meeting of the VCCC Alliance Board to follow. The Deputy Chair will be appointed on an honorary basis, ideally beginning in January 2023 for 2 years initially and renewable for a further 2 years.

Selection criteria

The Deputy Chair will be selected based on the selection criteria of:

• Ability to represent the VCCC Alliance as a whole
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership ability
• Commitment to the vision of the VCCC Alliance
• Capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of this role

Equity and inclusion

The VCCC Alliance is an equal opportunity organisation. We are committed to all aspects of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, and to providing all staff, contractors, appointees, secondees, consumers, volunteers and partners with a safe, respectful and rewarding environment.

Expression of interest

Applications are open to members of the cancer research community working within any of the VCCC Alliance member organisations. Applications will be assessed by an Independent Appointment Committee with interviews to be scheduled in December 2022.

Please express your interest by submitting a one-page letter to outline your interest for this role and address the selection criteria, along with a brief resume before 5.00pm AEST on Friday 16 December 2022 to:

• Dr Dishan Herath, Chair - Cancer Research Advisory Committee, VCCC Alliance [email protected]
• Dr Mark Buzza - Head of Research, VCCC Alliance [email protected]