Professor of Oncology (UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

Role Summary

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) invites applications for a senior academic appointment at the level of Clinical Associate Professor or Professor of Oncology, accompanied by an honorary consultant contract with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSFT). The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in oncology research—most notably through their role as Clinical Director of the Brighton and Sussex Clinical Trials Unit (CTU).

This position is ideal for an established clinical academic with a strong portfolio in clinical trials, a commitment to advancing cancer research, and the ability to collaborate effectively across academia, the NHS and wider research partnerships. A major emphasis of the role is to grow the cancer-focused clinical trials portfolio across Sussex, aligning with national research priorities and NHS England’s clinical research vision

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Develop and lead an independent, internationally recognised programme of oncology research—laboratory-based, translational, clinical or health outcomes focused.
• Contribute to the development of new grant proposals and secure external research funding aligned with UKRI guidance
• Provide senior leadership within BSMS, including participation in School-level strategy, research governance and mentoring of academic colleagues.

Clinical Trials Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational direction to the Brighton & Sussex Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), with 2 PAs allocated to this component of the role.
• Shape the future of oncology trials across Sussex, including early-phase, late-phase and post-licensing studies.
• Strengthen partnerships with the Sussex Cancer Centre and the Health and Care Research Partnership.
• Promote compliance with national standards for clinical trials and good clinical practice

Clinical Responsibilities

• Hold an honorary consultant appointment (0.5 FTE) with clinical duties within the Department of Oncology at UHSFT.
• Provide specialist care across tumour groups including, but not limited to: breast, lung, GI, gynaecological, skin and haemato-oncology malignancies.
• Practice in accordance with GMC professional standards

Teaching & Training

• Contribute to the design and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate education at BSMS.
• Support student career development and enhance exposure to clinical and medical oncology across the curriculum.
• Encourage NHS colleagues to engage in BMBS teaching, SSCs and individual research project supervision.
• Expected Contribution at Professor Level
• Candidates appointed at full professorial level will be expected to demonstrate:
• A substantial and sustained national and international reputation in oncology research.
• Leadership roles that influence clinical research policy, education or service development.
• Outstanding performance across research, education and academic leadership.

About You

We are seeking an exceptional clinical academic who:

• Holds a CCT in Medical or Clinical Oncology and is eligible for GMC specialist registration.
• Has an established track record in clinical trials, oncology research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to develop research capacity across NHS and academic teams.
• Communicates with influence and can work effectively with clinical, academic and external stakeholders.
• Brings a vision for expanding cancer trials and contributing to Sussex’s translational and clinical research ambitions.
• Applicants will also be expected to align with UK equality and inclusivity principles in higher education and healthcare

About the School

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is a partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton and NHS organisations across the South East. The School is recognised for its excellence in medical education, clinical research, and its commitment to multidisciplinary practice.

BSMS research spans early translational science through to applied clinical research, with significant strengths in:

• haemato-oncology and translational cancer science
• global health
• mental health
• population health and health inequalities

The School also holds a Gold Athena Swan Award, recognising its commitment to gender equality and inclusive practice.

Why Work Here

Sussex offers an attractive working environment, with a beautiful campus adjacent to the South Downs, strong transport links, and excellent facilities. Staff benefit from development opportunities, wellbeing support and an inclusive academic community committed to impactful research.

Visa Sponsorship

This role is associated with an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship when undertaken on a full-time base

If ATAS clearance is required, applicants will be advised during the recruitment process (ATAS guidance)

Application Details

• Closing date: 14 December 2025, 15:59
  Interviews: To be confirmed
  Start date: To be confirmed