Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Biology

• Full time, 2 years fixed term Located at the School of Chemistry on the Camperdown Campus
• Opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary research on new mitochondrial targeting agents
• Base Salary, Level A Step 6, $113,400 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 Chemical Biology with the primary responsibility of synthesis of fluorophores and responsive fluorescent sensors and applying them in biological studies. This project is funded by a grant from the Australian Research Council, and will involve collaboration with researchers across different disciplines.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• undertake research in synthetic chemistry, chemical biology and molecular imaging
• 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 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.

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

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 (or near completion) in organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related discipline and equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
• demonstrated ability to synthesise, purify and characterise organic molecules, with a strong preference given to candidates with experience in fluorophore synthesis
• experience in cell culture, biological assays and fluorescence microscopy
• 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
• proficient in the use of: NMR, IR, MS and UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy
• proficient in the use of small molecule purification methods, e.g. Isolera and HPLC.
• published research as sole author or in collaboration
• experience in research record keeping, preparation of research papers and presentation of seminars.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

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 include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through 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.

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 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 Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 12 April 2026 11:59 PM