- Full time research position, initial two-year fixed term with possibility of extension
- Opportunity to lead a research program in peptide drug discovery
- Located at the Chemistry Building (F11) on the Camperdown Campus in Sydney
- Base Salary Academic Level A, Step 6 - 7 $109,301 - $112,690 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The School of Chemistry is currently seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology in the laboratory of Associate Professor Yu Heng Lau. You will be the senior chemical biologist on our peptide-based drug discovery projects funded by the NHMRC and Cancer Institute NSW.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- drive a high-impact research program on peptide drug discovery, including mRNA/phage display, solid-phase peptide synthesis, structure-based design, binding assays, and cell culture models
- lead a team of junior research students, including laboratory supervision, project design, skills development, and career mentorship
- communicate and support research through writing of manuscripts, grant applications, and conference presentations
- manage ongoing partnerships with academic and industry collaborators
- coordinate laboratory administrative tasks, including equipment maintenance and lab organisation.
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. The School has more than 30 academic staff, 100 research staff, and 100 research students that conduct research across the full spectrum of pure and applied chemistry.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology who has:
- a PhD in Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or closely-related discipline
- experience in conducting phage display workflows, or related molecular biology experience
- expertise in chemical synthesis of peptides and amino acids, including non-proteinogenic modifications
- ability to operate and maintain peptide-associated equipment (HPLC/LCMS, synthesiser, freeze dryer)
- ability to conduct biophysical assays for protein binding (e.g. fluorescence polarisation assays)
- ability to conduct mammalian cell culture assays.
Base Salary
The base salary will increase in July 2025 by 3.75%.
Work Rights
Visa sponsorship is available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. 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.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Chris Masaoka, Recruitment Operations by email to
[email protected].
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 20 April 2025 11:59 PM
