2026 Colorectal Research Fellow 1

Requisition No: 3+56
Executive Division: Operations
Division: Surgery Endoscopy Anaesthesia Services
Program: Surgery
Department: Colorectal Gen Surgical Unit
Enterprise Agreement: Doctors in Training (Victorian Public Health Secto
Job Function: Medical
Project:
2026 Colorectal Research Fellow

Location: Footscray/Hospital
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: HM25 – HM30

About the role

This is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic young 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), with a new Footscray Hospital planned to be completed in 2025. 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.


More information about the research department can be found here.


Key responsibilities:

Provide clinical leadership in the development of research
Perform clinical duties for the Colorectal Unit and Acute Surgical Unit
Help develop and deliver teaching material to both undergraduate and postgraduate students at Western Health and Western Precinct, University of Melbourne.
Ensure quality patient care via clinical assessment, admissions and development of management plans
Provide day to day clinical management of patients and ensure attendance at ward rounds

About you:

Applicants must hold a Fellowship in General Surgery of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and be committed to a two years fixed term appointment.
Current GESA certification in colonoscopy would be preferable.
Current medical registration
Clinical competence as required for level of position
Ability to work as part of a team
Commitment to professional development
Position Description


Contact Person: Professor Justin Yeung

Title: Colorectal Surgeon

Email: Justin.Yeung@unimelb.edu.au


Applications close 2 June 2025.

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 pursuing training in colorectal surgery and developing an academic career, 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.


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 does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies. Read more