About the position

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Officer with significant background in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology and organic synthesis, to work in the Ubiquitin Signalling Division, and provide chemistry expertise and capability in compound design and synthesis across a variety of projects, including discovery and drug development endeavours.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with a strong background in medicinal chemistry and considerable compound design and synthesis skills. The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with staff from the Ubiquitin Signalling Division, the Chemical Biology Division, and also the Drug Discovery Centre. Responsibilities range from organising and performing synthesis of literature compounds; coordinating and assessing compounds derived from in silico, high-throughput, and fragment screening; coordinating and directing efforts by external contract research organisations; providing chemical biology expertise and capability to projects across the division.

Ideally, the candidate will have prior experience in leading medicinal chemistry efforts in drug discovery projects. A track record in translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to commercial outcomes and patient benefits is beneficial. Applicants with a focus on entrepreneurship are particularly welcome to apply.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should possess a PhD in a relevant discipline and a demonstrated track record of published papers in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry and/or drug discovery.

The successful applicant will be expected to independently perform chemical synthesis related to their projects in collaborative and commercial projects. In addition, they will perform biochemical and structural biology investigations as required for drug discovery or chemical biology, and prior experience working with biological samples is desirable. They will have high-level written and oral communication skills and have a demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment, with an interest in contributing to the supervision of post-graduate students.

Terms of appointment

This position is available for 2 years in a full-time capacity. Salary is Academic Level A6-A8 ($91,404- $98,111). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to David Komander- [email protected] or Ueli Nachbur [email protected], using the subject line: Research Officer (Chemist) - Komander Lab enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is available here.

How to apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

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WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.