Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Medicinal Chemist

The University of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Being part of a Group of Eight

Recognition of prior service with AUS-

Paid parental leave

Annual leave loading

Flexible working arrangements

Internal vacancies access

Academic promotions opportunities

Job summary

The University of Queensland invites applications for a full-time fixed-term scientific leadership role in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. Join a world-class research environment focusing on medicinal chemistry, drug discovery and development, and contribute to translating research into real-world health solutions.

The successful candidate will lead a coherent research program, supervise students and staff, publish in refereed journals, and engage with internal and external

Qualifications

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in organic/bio-organic chemistry with experience of medicinal chemistry hit-to-lead and/or lead optimisation.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry techniques to synthesise, isolate and characterise small molecules and peptides is essential.
• Skills in operating and maintaining analytical and purification equipment.
• Methodical approach to problem solving and meticulous record keeping, data storage and organisation.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload, and adapt to competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Research: Develop a coherent research program in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, publish in high-quality outlets, contribute to funding applications, collaborate on projects, and support translation of outcomes.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise undergrad, honours, masters and HDR students; coach and provide feedback; assist in managing research staff.
• Citizenship and Service: Contribute to internal service roles and external collaborations, support unit activities, demonstrate university values.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Drug discovery

Lead optimisation

Organic synthesis

Analytical methods

Lab teamwork

Education

PhD in organic/bio-organic chemistry

Tools

Analytical instruments

Purification equipment

Job description

School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

Full-time, fixed term position until December 2028

Full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $85,372 - $113,659 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)

Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Join a world-class research environment and advance your career in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery and development. This is an exciting opportunity to build your research profile within a collaborative, high-performing team tackling real-world health challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Research: Develop a coherent research program in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, publish in high-quality outlets, contribute to competitive funding applications, collaborate on research projects, and support translation and commercialisation of research outcomes.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Contribute to the supervision of undergraduate, Honours, Masters and HDR students, support researcher development through coaching and feedback, and assist in managing research staff and resolving issues in line with University policies.
• Citizenship and Service: Contribute to internal service roles and committees, collaborate with colleagues and external partners, support unit activities, and demonstrate behaviours aligned with University values.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

• Completion or near completion of a PhD in organic/bio-organic chemistry with experience of medicinal chemistry hit-to-lead and/or lead optimisation.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry techniques to synthesise, isolate and characterise small molecules and peptides is essential.
• Skills in operating and maintaining analytical and purification equipment.
• Methodical approach to problem solving and a meticulous attitude to laboratory performance, record keeping, electronic data storage and organisation.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise own workload, exercise initiative and judgment as appropriate, and adapt to a flexible and dynamic environment with competing priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and collegially in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.
• An emerging profile in research in drug discovery.
• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities.
• Assay development skills would be highly valued.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad:

• Being part of a Group of Eight university.
• Recognition of prior service with other Australian universities.
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 17.5% annual leave loading.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to exclusive internal-only vacancies.
• Genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.

We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone].

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Applications close Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-70549).

Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 24 November 2026.