Precision Oncology Evidence Policy Translation
Real-World Evidence for Precision Oncology Policy and Practice
Published on the 08 October 2026 by UNSW Scientia PhD Project
This project is part of the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend and a one-off Global Mobility Grant to conduct international engagement activities.
Precision oncology is transforming cancer care through the use of targeted medicines and companion diagnostics that match treatments to individual patients. While clinical trials establish whether these technologies can work, important evidence gaps remain about their use, effectiveness, safety, equity, and value in routine clinical practice. This PhD project will generate real-world evidence on the use and outcomes of cancer medicines and companion diagnostics in Australia, using large-scale linked health data and advanced pharmacoepidemiological methods.
The research will examine patterns of access, treatment effectiveness, safety, and variation across patient populations, with a focus on informing evidence-based policy and clinical decision making. The candidate will work within a leading multidisciplinary team at UNSW and collaborate with international experts at Erasmus University Rotterdam. The findings will help optimise precision oncology practice, support sustainable health system decision making, and improve outcomes for patients with cancer.
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- Residency: Domestic applicants only.
- Degree program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You must meet the minimum requirements below to apply:
- An appropriate Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW: OR
- A completed Master by Research, with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis; OR
- a qualification from another tertiary institution at a level considered equivalent by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)
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Eligible applicants must contact the Primary Supervisor, Sallie Pearson - z3135420@ad.unsw.edu.au. If she agrees to supervise you, you will be invited to submit a formal application to UNSW.
Your email should include:
- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- A brief introduction about you and why you are qualified for this project.
- What interests you about this project and the supervisor(s) expertise.
Research project overview
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Scholarship value
$39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
$25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off) -
Supervisory team
Professor Sallie-Anne Pearson (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Dr Nicola Meagher (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
Dr Benjamin Daniels (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
Professor Maarten Ijzermann (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Co-Supervisor)
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Global research partner
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Candidate residency
Domestic
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Degree program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
UNSW School | Research area
Faculty of Medicine & Health | School of Population Health
Impact focus area
Pillar 8: Enable healthy lives
Learn more
Supervisors
Do you have questions?
The UNSW Graduate Research School manages all postgraduate research applications and scholarships. Get in touch with our team to discuss your research interests and the next steps.