Clinical Research Fellowship Program

Each year, multiple positions are available for 12 months, with extensions encouraged based on satisfactory performance.
You will play an integral role in the function of a busy clinical trials unit with >30 studies ranging from phase I-III across lymphoma, myeloma, and leukaemia.
We have an active cellular therapy program, including autologous and allogeneic CAR T-cell trials.

Location:

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Linear Clinical Research, and Hollywood Private Hospital, Perth, Australia.

Disease Leads:

Essential criteria:

  • Completed (or in the final/penultimate year of training) as a Clinical Haematologist
  • Registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (or eligible for registration link here for further information)
  • Excellent clinical and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated interest in clinical research.
  • Post-FRCPath part 1 and part 2 examination

Key responsibilities:

  • Identification, recruitment, and care of patients on clinical trials
  • Disease subtype focused outpatient clinics
  • Design, presentation, and publication of clinical research

Why join us?

  • Work in one of the most active Haematology clinical trials units in the world
  • Mentoring opportunities with leaders in the field
  • Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is Perth’s largest public tertiary hospital, located 5km west of central Perth
  • Outstanding program track record: our alumni have oral presentations at ASH, first author publications in high impact journals and pivotal involvement in investigator-initiated trials.
  • Excellent opportunities to independently manage patients as a consultant, with senior clinicians supporting in the background as needed.
  • Protected research time, with projects tailored to suit interests.
  • Work/life balance: no rostered after hours or weekend commitment
  • Part-time hours negotiable
  • Perth is clean, safe, family friendly, has excellent schools, a vibrant arts/dining scene, and sunny climate suited to an outdoor lifestyle.

See current BCRWA fellows here:

Apply by emailing your resume to admin@bloodcancerwa.org.au.

Past Fellows

Dr. Brian Grainger

Term: 2024 – 2025

Dr. Brian Grainger, our departing haematology clinical research fellow, shares insights into his impactful journey with Blood Cancer Research Western Australia.

Do not underestimate the opportunities available here. Professor Cheah and his colleagues are passionate clinicians and researchers who have certainly broadened my horizons. Perth is a fantastic city with excellent weather, great schools and very conducive to a balanced lifestyle.

Dr. Ross Salvaris

Term: 2022 – 2024

📺 WATCH: Dr. Ross Salvaris (4 Minutes, 40 Seconds)

Dr. Ross Salvaris, our departing haematology clinical research fellow, shares insights into his impactful journey with Blood Cancer Research Western Australia. Highlights include his significant contribution to a national guideline for Marginal Zone Lymphoma, enhancing collaboration in the field. Ross emphasised the pivotal role of collaboration through the Australian Lymphoma Alliance and the Australian Lymphoma Leukemia Group in fostering opportunities for research and analysis.

Ross expressed gratitude to colleagues, leaders, and the organisation for the valuable fellowship experience, paving the way for his successful career progression. As he bids us farewell, Dr. Salvaris returns to Melbourne, where he has secured a consultant position at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Dr. Paulina Hillebrand

Term: 2023 – 2024

📺 WATCH: Dr. Paulina Hillebrand (3 Minutes, 52 Seconds)

In her departure interview, Dr. Paulina Hillebrand, another haematology clinical research fellow, reflected on the profound moments that defined her time with us. Notably, the smiles on patients’ faces during response assessments left an indelible mark, reinforcing the impact clinical trials have on patient outcomes.

Paulina highlighted the guidance and inspiration drawn from mentors while dealing with clinical challenges and shaping her professional and personal life. Her parting advice to future fellows: “Go for it, it’s an amazing experience, and you will be supported.”

The chance that I was given to take part in all of these amazing clinical trials will help me think outside the box and always hope and say that there is something else that I can do for my patients.

Dr. Elizabeth Smyth

Term: 2021 – 2023

Dr. Elizabeth Smyth joined the ranks of Blood Cancer Research WA in August 2021. Over her 18 months tenure, Dr. Smyth made significant contributions by relieving the workload of Dr. Katharine Lewis, who was our sole fellow at that time. This workload distribution alleviated both Professor Cheah and Dr. Lewis, allowing them to focus on their respective responsibilities while concurrently leading patient enrolment initiatives and the introduction of innovative clinical trials in Western Australia. Dr. Smyth played an instrumental role in this endeavour, contributing to the enrolment of over 100 participants and coordination of more than 30 clinical trials across both Linear Clinical Research and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

Dr. Katharine Lewis

Term: 2019 – 2023

Dr. Xuan Tan

Term: 2019 – 2020

Xuan joined Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Linear as a Haematology Research/Clinical Fellow in February 2019. Following graduation from the University of Melbourne in 2010, she completed an internship and basic physician training in Melbourne before moving to Hobart to commence Haematology advanced training. She is completing a Master of Clinical Research (UWA), with her thesis focusing on health economics analysis in next-generation sequencing in acute myeloid leukaemia and other haematological malignancies.