Senior Research Fellow

• Part-time fixed-term opportunity (0.4 FTE) for 12 months, with funding available for up to 2 years for a Senior Research Fellow

• Join a leading translational research program focused on drug discovery and therapeutic development

• Academic Level C $162,347 (Pro rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for a Senior Research Fellow to join a high-performing research team within the University of Sydney. Working at the intersection of chemistry and biomedical research, you will play a key role in advancing short-chain fatty acid chemistry, pro-drug development, and the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches for future animal and human applications.

This position offers the opportunity to lead innovative research programs, build collaborations across academia and industry, and contribute to the translation of scientific discoveries into meaningful health outcomes.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead and conduct independent research in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutic development

• develop and advance research programs focused on short-chain fatty acid chemistry and pro-drug development

• publish high-quality research outcomes in leading academic journals and present findings at national and international conferences

• secure competitive research funding and contribute to the growth of externally funded research activities

• establish and maintain strategic collaborations with academic, industry and professional partners

• mentor and guide junior researchers and contribute to the development of a positive research culture

• contribute to research governance, strategic initiatives, and broader academic activities within the University

• support the translation and commercialisation of research outcomes where appropriate.

About you

• PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline

• significant experience conducting original research and developing a strong research profile

• demonstrated expertise in short-chain fatty acid chemistry, drug discovery, and/or pro-drug development

• track record of high-quality publications and scholarly achievement

• experience securing or contributing to competitive research funding applications

• established collaborative networks across academic, industry or professional sectors

• demonstrated experience mentoring and supervising research staff or students

• excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and research partners.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.

As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit:NSW Health employment requirements

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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 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 Danielle Selinger Recruitment Consultant by email to [email protected]

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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

Thursday 01 October 2026 11:59 PM