Research Assistant/Research Associate in Computational Biology/Pharmacology

Flinders University; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 82,657 - 107,666; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development activities

On-campus health care services

Gym and childcare facilities

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Adelaide is seeking a Research Assistant/Research Associate in Computational Biology/Pharmacology. This role focuses on an NHMRC-funded project exploring psychiatric disorders. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree or PhD, along with demonstrated experience in molecular modelling, AI techniques, and strong communication skills. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and engagement with industry partners while contributing to impactful research.

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular modelling and simulations.
• Experience in AI/ML techniques applied to protein research.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing computational approaches integrating data.
• Collaborate with the research team to deliver results.
• Support planning and execution of research activities.

Skills

Molecular modelling

AI/ML techniques

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or related field

PhD in Computational Biology or related field

Job description

Research Assistant/Research Associate in Computational Biology/Pharmacology

Job reference: JR0000015298 – Research Assistant/Research Associate in Computational Biology/Pharmacology.

Base pay range: A$82,657.00/yr – A$107,666.00/yr.

Employment: Fixed Term, 2 Years, Full‑Time. Higher Education Officer Level 5 ($82,657 – $91,222 p.a.) or Academic Level A ($88,842 – $107,666 p.a.). Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country.

About the College of Medicine and Public Health

At the College of Medicine and Public Health, we deliver clinical, population and laboratory‑based research, integrated teaching programmes and high‑quality clinical services. Our footprint extends from our world‑class teaching hospital at the Flinders Medical Centre in South Australia to multiple rural clinical locations up to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

About the Research Assistant Role (HEO5)

As a Research Assistant, you will contribute to an NHMRC‑funded project exploring the genetic diversity and therapeutic potential of targeting trace amine receptor 1 (TAAR1) for psychiatric disorders. Working under the guidance of the Chief Investigator and alongside a collaborative research team, you will assist in designing, coordinating and implementing innovative pharmacology research, engage in computational methodologies and contribute to high‑quality publications.

• Assist in designing and implementing computational approaches integrating chemical, biological and structural data.
• Collaborate with the research team to achieve project milestones and contribute to scholarly outputs, including journal publications.
• Support planning and execution of research activities, including literature reviews, data production and participation in seminars and conferences.
• Contribute to coordination and engagement with industry partners to deliver collaborative project outcomes.

About the Research Associate Role (Level A)

This Research Associate position offers an opportunity to contribute to an NH&MRC‑funded project investigating the genetic diversity and therapeutic potential of TAAR1 for psychiatric disorders. You will play a key role in designing and implementing computational methodologies, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, supporting postgraduate students and engaging industry partners.

• Assist in the design and implementation of computational approaches integrating chemical, biological and structural data.
• Collaborate with the research team to deliver project milestones and contribute to high‑quality publications.
• Support coordination of project tasks, including engagement with industry partners and supervision of postgraduate students.
• Establish and maintain research collaborations at institutional, national and international levels to enhance outputs and impact.

About You

For the Research Assistant role:

• A degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated experience in molecular modelling, simulations and applying AI/ML techniques to protein research.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and industry partners.
• Proven ability to critically review literature, manage research tasks and deliver project milestones on time.

For the Research Associate role:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Computational Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a related field.
• Experience in molecular modelling, simulations, AI and machine learning applied to proteins.
• A track record of research outputs, including publications and presentations at national or international level.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and industry partners.

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage and integrity.

• 17 % Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wide range of professional development activities and services
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff
• Vibrant campus life and amenities, including on‑campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia)

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check satisfactory to the University will be required before commencing the position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate; each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the role.
• You may be required to provide evidence that you are up to date with COVID‑19 vaccinations, in line with the Flinders University COVID‑19 Vaccination Policy.

How to Apply

• Apply online via the Jobs@Flinders website: the job portal identifier JR0000015298 – Research Assistant/Research Associate in Computational Biology/Pharmacology.
• Submit a CV and a suitability statement (no more than 3 pages) addressing the key position capabilities of the HEO5 or Level A position description.
• For more information, contact Dr Pramod Nair.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 10:00 pm (ACDT) Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

Late applications and agency submissions will not be accepted.

Recruitment Activity During University Shutdown

Recruitment activity will pause during the Flinders University shutdown period. No updates or progress on applications will be available between 24 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Recruitment processes resume on 5 January 2026, and application statuses will be communicated from that date onward.

EEO Statement

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities.