Professor of Oncology (UK Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is looking to appoint an experienced clinical academic to join as either a Clinical Associate Professor or Professor of Oncology, depending on career stage.

This is a senior, high-impact role combining academic leadership, clinical expertise, and research innovation, with a particular emphasis on clinical trials development and delivery. The postholder will also take on a key leadership position as Clinical Director of the Brighton and Sussex Clinical Trials Unit (CTU).

The role is delivered in partnership with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, where the successful candidate will hold an Honorary Consultant position within oncology services.

Collaboration will be central—working across BSMS, NHS partners, and regional research networks, including the Sussex Cancer Research Centre.

Key Responsibilities

 Research & Clinical Trials Leadership

  • Lead and expand a high-quality research programme in oncology
    Drive the development of a diverse and innovative clinical trials portfolio
    Strengthen research income through competitive grant applications
    Support translational, laboratory-based, and health outcomes research
    Build collaborations across academic, clinical, and regional research partners

Clinical Contribution (NHS Role)

  • Deliver oncology services as an Honorary Consultant (0.5 FTE)
    Participate in clinical care across cancer services
    Contribute to clinical leadership within the Trust’s Cancer Division
    Support integration of research into clinical practice

Teaching & Academic Leadership

  • Deliver and enhance undergraduate and postgraduate medical education
    Contribute to curriculum development and student experience
    Supervise research projects and mentor trainees and junior academics
    Encourage clinical colleagues to engage in teaching and student placements

Strategic & Institutional Impact

  • Provide leadership within BSMS and contribute to strategic planning
    Strengthen the academic oncology profile across Sussex
    Foster partnerships with external organisations and national networks
    At Professorial level: demonstrate sustained international leadership and impact

About You

You will be an established clinical academic with a strong track record in oncology and clinical trials.

Essential criteria include:

  • Medical qualification with CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) in Clinical or Medical Oncology
    Proven experience in leading or contributing to clinical trials
    Strong academic profile with research funding and publication history
    Demonstrated leadership in teaching, research, or clinical service
    Commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation

For Professorial appointment, you will also demonstrate:

National and international recognition in your field
Sustained leadership in research, education, and academic management

Research Environment

BSMS offers a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, with strengths in:

  • Translational haemato-oncology
    Global health and infectious disease
    Mental health research
    Population health and health inequalities

The Sussex Cancer Research Centre (SCRC) connects BSMS with regional universities and NHS partners, supporting impactful cancer research across multiple tumour types including breast, lung, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, and skin cancers.

About Brighton and Sussex Medical School

BSMS is a partnership between the University of Sussex, the University of Brighton, and NHS organisations across the South East. The School is known for:

  • High-quality, research-led medical education
    Strong clinical-academic integration
    Commitment to inclusive, multidisciplinary learning
    A Gold Athena Swan Award for gender equality

Its mission is to advance healthcare through education, research, and innovation, improving outcomes locally and globally.

Why Join Sussex?

Located near the South Downs National Park, Sussex offers an inspiring environment for both work and life. The University provides:

Visa & Regulatory Guidance

This role meets the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship (subject to eligibility criteria).

For official UK guidance, please refer to:

Application Details

  • Closing Date: 24 May 2026 (3:59 PM)
    Interview Date: To be confirmed
    Start Date: Negotiable
    Informal Enquiries
    Professors Andrea Pepper & Somnath Mukhopadhyay (Department Leads)
    Professor Richard McManus (Dean, BSMS)
    Dr Simon Mitchell (SCRC Director)
    NHS Contacts: Sarah Westwell / Prof Katie Urch