Prof Julia Hush Surgical Research PhD Scholarship – Opportunity for Cancer Nurses

Professor Julia Hush was a highly respected physiotherapist, academic, and consumer advocate whose work was deeply shaped by her own experience as a cancer patient. Through her involvement with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), the Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), and the University of Sydney, she championed research that combined clinical excellence with genuine patient insight. Her contributions improved patient information, strengthened research programs, and brought the lived experience of cancer care into academic and clinical practice.

In honour of her legacy, this scholarship supports research that bridges frontline care and evidence-based practice.

Why this opportunity is ideal for cancer nurses:

• Build on your clinical experience to influence surgical cancer care at a systems level
• Contribute to research that prioritises patient-centred outcomes and real-world impact
• Be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team embedded in leading clinical and research centres
• Develop skills in clinical trials, implementation science, and translational research

The successful applicant will undertake a full-time PhD at the University of Sydney, supported by a competitive stipend. The position will be embedded within the Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe) at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre. The PhD will form part of the PRIORITY-CONNECT 2 Trial, a large multicentre study funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), evaluating the effectiveness of a virtual multimodal prehabilitation hub to improve outcomes for patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

This is an exciting opportunity to extend your impact and shape the future of cancer care through research.

Enquiries:
Prof Daniel Steffens
[email protected]