Deadline: 05-Aug-2026
The Murray Jackson Clinical Fellowship supports oncology clinicians in New Zealand to strengthen clinical research expertise and improve cancer outcomes. The fellowship enables clinicians to combine specialist oncology practice with research training across multiple cancer-related disciplines, with a strong emphasis on Māori Health Advancement and equitable cancer outcomes.
The award provides clinical salary support for up to one year (distributed over 1–4 years) and may include up to $3,000 for return travel for overseas or hybrid training arrangements. The programme is designed to develop clinician-researchers capable of contributing to advanced oncology research and improved cancer care systems in New Zealand.
Overview
The Murray Jackson Clinical Fellowship is offered by the Cancer Research Trust to support oncology clinicians who wish to develop advanced research skills while maintaining clinical practice. The fellowship aims to build capacity in clinician-led cancer research and improve cancer outcomes across New Zealand.
The programme supports integration of clinical work and research, enabling fellows to contribute directly to both patient care and scientific advancement. A key expectation is meaningful engagement with Māori Health Advancement and efforts to improve equity in cancer outcomes for Māori communities.
The fellowship can be undertaken in New Zealand, overseas, or through a hybrid model, provided there is a clear pathway for contributing to New Zealand-based research outcomes.
Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Strengthen clinical research capability in oncology.
- Support development of clinician-researchers in New Zealand.
- Improve cancer outcomes through research-informed clinical practice.
- Promote integration of clinical training and research activity.
- Advance equitable cancer outcomes, particularly for Māori.
- Support higher research degree development where applicable.
- Encourage multi-disciplinary oncology research collaboration.
- Build long-term capacity in New Zealand’s cancer research system.
Eligible Clinical and Research Fields
The fellowship supports oncology-related clinical and research disciplines, including:
- Surgical oncology.
- Medical oncology.
- Radiation oncology.
- Haematology.
- Palliative care.
- Cancer genetics.
- Radiology.
- Anatomical pathology.
- Psychiatry related to oncology.
- Cancer epidemiology and public health.
- Translational oncology research.
Applicants are expected to engage in research that complements their clinical specialty and contributes to improved cancer care.
Fellowship Structure and Funding
The fellowship provides support for combining clinical practice with research.
Key funding features include:
- Up to one year of clinical salary support.
- Funding may be distributed over a period of 1 to 4 years.
- Research component normally constitutes at least 50% of fellowship activity.
- Up to $3,000 available for return travel (for overseas or hybrid arrangements).
- Salary support intended for protected research time or higher degree study.
The host institution is expected to provide research infrastructure, including:
- Equipment.
- Consumables (where applicable).
- Research facilities.
- Supervision and academic support.
What the Fellowship Does Not Cover
The fellowship does not generally fund:
- Major research equipment.
- Ongoing research operating costs.
- Laboratory consumables.
- Full institutional overheads.
- Large-scale project funding beyond salary support.
Applicants are expected to secure institutional or external support for non-salary research needs.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
- Have completed specialist College training in a relevant oncology-related field.
- Be an early-to-mid career clinician seeking to develop research expertise.
- Demonstrate commitment to cancer research and improved clinical outcomes.
- Show a strong commitment to Māori Health Advancement.
Eligible applicant profiles include:
- Clinicians establishing a research stream within their career.
- Clinicians completing a higher research degree (e.g., MSc, PhD, or equivalent research training).
- Clinician-researchers seeking structured research development.
Fellowships may be undertaken:
- In New Zealand.
- Overseas.
- Through hybrid arrangements.
Overseas or hybrid pathways must demonstrate a clear return plan to New Zealand-based research activity.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their application through the Cancer Research Trust grants portal.
Required documentation includes:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Host institution support letter.
- Evidence of clinical and research supervision arrangements.
- Regulatory and ethical approvals (where applicable).
- Research proposal and supporting documents.
- Additional materials as specified by the Trust.
Strong institutional commitment and supervision arrangements are essential.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the Cancer Research Trust Assessment Committee.
Key evaluation criteria include:
- Clarity and quality of the research proposal.
- Scientific and clinical relevance.
- Potential impact on cancer outcomes.
- Contribution to New Zealand-based research capacity.
- Responsiveness to Māori Health Advancement.
- Applicant’s clinical and research potential.
- Strength of institutional support and supervision.
- Peer review input.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interview.
Typically, only one fellowship is awarded annually.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Cancer care requires continuous advancement in both clinical practice and research. Clinician-researchers play a vital role in translating scientific discoveries into improved patient outcomes.
This fellowship is important because it:
- Builds oncology research leadership in New Zealand.
- Strengthens integration of research and clinical practice.
- Improves evidence-based cancer treatment and care.
- Supports equitable cancer outcomes for Māori communities.
- Enhances capacity for high-quality oncology research.
- Encourages long-term career development in clinician-scientist pathways.
- Supports innovation in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care delivery.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and have completed relevant specialist oncology training.
Step 2: Secure Host Institution Support
Obtain formal support from a hospital, university, or research institution that can provide supervision and research infrastructure.
Step 3: Develop Research Proposal
Prepare a clear research plan aligned with your clinical specialty and demonstrating potential impact on cancer outcomes.
Step 4: Arrange Supervision and Approvals
Secure appropriate clinical and academic supervision and obtain necessary regulatory or ethical approvals.
Step 5: Prepare Application Documents
Compile required documents including CV, support letters, and research proposal.
Step 6: Submit Application
Submit the complete application via the Cancer Research Trust grants portal.
Step 7: Interview Stage (if shortlisted)
Some applicants may be invited for interview before final selection.
Responsibilities of Fellows
Successful fellows are expected to:
- Conduct approved clinical and research activities.
- Maintain at least 50% research engagement.
- Submit annual progress reports.
- Submit a final report at fellowship completion.
- Obtain and maintain ethical and regulatory approvals.
- Acknowledge the Cancer Research Trust in all publications.
- Participate in outreach and public communication activities.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly link clinical work with research goals.
- Demonstrate strong commitment to Māori health equity.
- Show realistic integration of clinical and research responsibilities.
- Secure strong institutional backing and supervision.
- Present a focused and feasible research question.
- Highlight long-term career development goals.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment between clinical specialty and research plan.
- Insufficient institutional or supervisory support.
- Poorly defined research objectives.
- Limited consideration of Māori Health Advancement.
- Overambitious research scope without feasibility.
- Incomplete regulatory or ethical documentation.
- Lack of clarity on clinical–research balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Murray Jackson Clinical Fellowship?
It is a clinical-research fellowship supporting oncology clinicians in New Zealand to develop research expertise and improve cancer outcomes.
Who can apply?
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who have completed specialist oncology training.
What fields are supported?
All major oncology-related clinical and research fields, including medical, surgical, radiation oncology, haematology, and related disciplines.
How long does the fellowship last?
The award may be spread over up to four years, with up to one year of salary support.
Can the fellowship be done overseas?
Yes, but overseas or hybrid arrangements must include a clear pathway back to New Zealand-based research.
What funding is provided?
Clinical salary support and up to $3,000 for return travel in eligible overseas or hybrid arrangements.
How many fellowships are awarded?
Typically, one fellowship is awarded each year.
Conclusion
The Murray Jackson Clinical Fellowship provides a structured pathway for oncology clinicians in New Zealand to develop advanced research expertise while continuing clinical practice. By combining clinical training, research development, and a strong focus on Māori Health Advancement, the fellowship strengthens national cancer research capacity and contributes to improved, equitable cancer outcomes.
For more information, visit Cancer Research Trust New Zealand.