• Full time, 2 years fixed term position. Located at the School of Chemistry on the Camperdown Campus
• The project seeks to design and synthesis bioactive peptides targeting the mycobacterial protein degradation system as new drugs to combat tuberculosis
• Base Salary Level A, $109,301 - $116,679 p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Chemistry welcomes applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry to work on an NHMRC funded project with Professor Peter Rutledge, Professor Richard Payne, and Dr Jessica Zhong, in collaboration with Professor Warwick Britton and Dr Diana Quan at the Centenary Institute.

To achieve the goals of our NHMRC Ideas project we require someone with experience and expertise in medicinal chemistry and/or peptide chemistry.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• contribute to knowledge within the discipline or area of expertise in medicinal chemistry and peptide chemistry
• perform internationally leading research in the areas of medicinal chemistry, peptide chemistry, organic chemistry, and chemical biology
• train and supervise undergraduate and PhD research students
• enhance a positive workplace culture and the strategic direction of the University
• apply learnings and knowledge from research and scholarly activity to inform educational practice.

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 40 academic staff, 100 research staff, and 100 research students that conduct research across the full spectrum of pure and applied chemistry. 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. With the support of over 30 professional, technical and administrative staff, the School of Chemistry administers and delivers undergraduate teaching for about 2500 students every year. We are committed to creating a diverse workplace by improving equity, access and opportunity, and we are continuously working to identify and remove biases and barriers in an effort to make our workplace open, supportive and safe for everyone.

To learn more about the School of Chemistry click here.
To learn more about the Rutledge Research Group click here.
To learn more about the Payne Research Group click here.

About you

The University values trust, accountability and excellence; 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 Medicinal Chemistry who has:

• a PhD in medicinal chemistry and/or peptide chemistry and/or a closely related discipline (e.g. organic chemistry)
• experience in medicinal chemistry
• experience working with peptides, proteins, or related compounds
• experience in research record keeping, preparation of research papers and presentation of seminars,
• published research as a first author and/or in collaboration.

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 (maximum 1 page), CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Turle, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au.

Copyright 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

Tuesday 15 July 2025 11:59 PM