Postdoctoral Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry

GDG on Campus | University of Sydney; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney, School of Chemistry, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry. The role is a full-time, 1-year fixed-term position based on the Camperdown Campus, with responsibilities spanning lead candidate optimization, publishing, grant writing, and supervision of students.

Successful candidates will hold a PhD in medicinal/organic chemistry (or near completion) and have a track record of independent or collaborative research, including

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in medicinal chemistry or organic chemistry or closely related discipline.
• Proven ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision.
• Experience in student supervision at undergraduate and graduate level.
• Published research as sole author or in collaboration.
• Experience in research record keeping, preparation of research papers and presenting seminars.

Responsibilities

• undertake research in lead candidate optimization
• publish research papers
• demonstrate research excellence
• assist with grant writing and publishing original work
• support teaching activities and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students

Skills

Research ability

Student supervision

Publications

Research record keeping

Presentation of seminars

Education

PhD in medicinal chemistry or organic chemistry

Job description

• Full time, 1 year fixed term opportunity. Located at the School of Chemistry on the Camperdown Campus

• Opportunity to contribute to research in Drug Discovery

• Base Salary, Level A Step 6 $117,936 p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Chemistry is one of Australia’s main centres for chemical research and education. We have access to a comprehensive range of modern research and teaching facilities. The School attracts outstanding undergraduate students, including large numbers of talented students, from all over Australia and has a large cohort of postgraduate research students and offers a vibrant and world class research environment.

The School is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry with the primary responsibility of working on projects selected by MedChem Australia.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• undertake research in lead candidate optimization

• publish research papers

• demonstrate research excellence

• assist with grant writing and publishing original work

• support teaching activities and the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney is a leading Chemistry department in the country, with outstanding staff and students undertaking world-leading teaching and research. Our more than 30 academic staff, 100 research staff, and 100 research students conduct research across the full spectrum of pure an applied chemistry. With the support of 30+ professional, technical and administrative staff, the School of

Chemistry administers and delivers undergraduate teaching for about 2500 students. We are committedto creating a diverse workplace by improving equity, access and opportunity, and we are continuously working to identify and remove biasesand barriers in an effort to make our workplace open, supportive and safe for everyone.

Our research excellence is recognised by numerous prizes and awards to individual staff members and the award of over $7 million in research funding each year. Our staff are also recognised for their outstanding commitment to teaching excellence.

Click here to learn more about School of Chemistry.

This position is lab‑based and requires onsite work at the Camperdown campus.

About you

• a PhD (or near completion) in medicinal chemistry or organic chemistry, or a closely related discipline and equivalent combination of relevant training and experience

• proven ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision either independently or as a member of a team

• experience in student supervision at the undergraduate and graduate level

• published research as sole author or in collaboration

• experience in research record keeping, preparation of research papers and presentation of seminars.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre‑employment or background checks required for the role in satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender‑Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender‑based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer.

Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

Applications Close

Monday 07 September 2026 11:59 PM