Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Medicinal Chemist

About the role

The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland is offering a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral research fellowship in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery and development, based at the St Lucia campus. The position runs until December 2028 and sits at Academic Level A, with a base salary of $85,372 to $113,659 plus 17% superannuation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a coherent research programme in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, publish in high-quality outlets, contribute to competitive funding applications, collaborate on research projects and support the translation and commercialisation of research outcomes.
• Contribute to supervising undergraduate, Honours, Masters and HDR students, coach researchers and help manage research staff in line with University policy.
• Take part in internal service roles and committees, collaborate with colleagues and external partners and support unit activities.

Required profile

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in organic or bio-organic chemistry with experience in medicinal chemistry hit-to-lead and/or lead optimisation.
• An emerging profile in research in drug discovery.
• Evidence of publications in reputable refereed journals and conference presentations.
• Some experience in internal service roles and external activities.
• Unrestricted work rights in Australia; employer-sponsored work rights are not available.

Required skills

• Knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry techniques to synthesise, isolate and characterise small molecules and peptides.
• Skill in operating and maintaining analytical and purification equipment.
• Assay development skills are highly valued.
• Meticulous record keeping, data storage and organisation, and strong communication and teamwork skills.

What we offer

• Access to world-class facilities, grant-writing support and greater research funding opportunities.
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading and flexible working arrangements.
• Internal-only vacancies and career progression through the academic promotion process.

Applications close 15 November 2026; interviews are tentatively scheduled for 24 November 2026. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and answers to the 'About You' questions through the University's Talent Acquisition team.