Postdoctoral Research Fellow

• Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• Academic level A

• Fixed-term position (Leave cover) for up to 9 months

• Closing date Wednesday the 26th of October at 11.00PM AEST

• UQ Careers: R-16735

About This Opportunity 

The Smythe group at the IMB has a strong track record in commercialisation of research and in drug discovery, having contributed to six different compounds in clinical development. This position will join the Smythe Group as a medicinal chemist to lead a small team on the optimisation of existing hits and leads for novel therapeutic targets with applications in neuroinflammation (motor neuron disease) and muscular dystrophies. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will focus on the design, synthesis and analysis of drug candidates and will have a strong medicinal chemistry background.

 Key responsibilities include:  
1. Research

• Synthesis of new molecules based on existing SAR

• Purification and analysis of compounds prepared

• Oversee assays of key compounds developed

• Develop a research program and an emerging research profile in medicinal chemistry and drug design & development

• Manage a small team, including external resources, to ensure timely and efficient research progress

• Prepare reports and present results in project meetings and meetings with external investors (Venture capital and corporate partners)

• Produces quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.

• Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities.

• Work with colleagues in the development of joint research projects and applications for competitive research funding support.

• Contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property.

• Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.

2. Supervision and Researcher Development

• Contribute to the effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students (as appropriate).

• Demonstrates personal effectiveness in supervision and the management of researcher development.

• Effectively lead and develop supervisee performance and conduct by providing feedback, coaching, and professional development.

• As appropriate, manage research support staff effectively throughout the employee lifecycle in accordance with University policy and procedures.

• Working to promptly resolve conflict and grievances when they arise in accordance with University policy and procedures.

3. Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate citizenship behaviours that align to the UQ values.

• Shows leadership of self through collaboration and active participation in priority activities for the unit

• Provide support to other academic positions and unit operations as needed during other team members absences.

• Contribute to internal service roles and administrative processes as required, including participation in decision-making and service on relevant committees.

• Collaborate in service activities external to the immediate organisation unit.

• Begin to develop external links and partnerships by cultivating relationships with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

4. Other

Ensure you are aware of and comply with legislation and University policy relevant to the duties undertaken, including but not exclusive to:

• The University’s Code of Conduct .

• Requirements of the Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or Institute/School.

• The adoption of sustainable practices in all work activities and compliance with associated legislation and related University sustainability responsibilities and procedures .

• Requirements of the Education Services  for Overseas Students Act 2000, the National Code 2007 and associated legislation, and related responsibilities and procedures developed by the University.

About You  

• PhD (or progress towards PhD) in the area of medicinal chemistry, biological chemistry or chemistry or related discipline

• An emerging profile in research in the discipline area.

• Experience with organic synthesis, purification and related analytical techniques

• Experience with HPLC, mass spectrometry and NMR

• Experience with deriving and analysing SAR profiles

• Some experience in large scale synthesis and development of synthetic methodologies

• Ability to understand pharmacokinetics and metabolism optimisation

• Experience in biochemical analysis of compounds, including in vitro assay techniques such as ELISAs

• Experience in a lead optimisation setting, including identifying hit and lead candidates

• Demonstrated ability in report writing, record keeping and presentation of research results

• Experience in liaising with external agencies and contract research organisations to develop research initiatives.

• Project management experience

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different disciplines, and independently

• Methodical approach to problem solving

• Excellent written, verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills

• Commitment to upholding the University’s values

• Evidence of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Evidence of contributions towards successfully obtaining external research funding.

• Some experience in meaningful internal service roles and contributions towards external activities

What We Can Offer 

 This is a Full-time, Fixed-term position through to June 2023 at Academic Level A. 

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $72,144.35 to $96,530.67 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range $84,408.89 to $112,940.88 per annum. 

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ and review The University of Queensland’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018 – 2021 . 

 
Questions? 

To discuss this role please contact Mark Smythe, m.smythe@imb.uq.edu.au .   

For application queries, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au  stating the job reference number in the subject line.  

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must supply the following documents:  

• Cover letter addressing Selection Criteria   

• Resume  

To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline. Applications received via other channels, including direct email, will not be accepted.  

Please note that you will be asked to add all documents into the one upload box labelled ‘resume’, which is step one of the application form.

About the Selection Process 

The University of Queensland is committed to ensuring all candidates are provided with the opportunity to attend the panel interviews, however, for those candidates who are unable to attend in person, video interview options will be available.     

Other Information 

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.   

Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.  

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage  contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au .

If you are a current employee of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.