(Level A/B) $78,544- $131,335 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Full-time, fixed term position for a period of 12 months with the potential for further extension.

The Molecular & Proximity Discovery laboratory headed by Dr Michael Roy, is a multidisciplinary drug discovery research group located at the SAiGENCI (South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute), working alongside the Adelaide Drug Discovery Incubator (ADDI) at the University of Adelaide.

We are seeking an experienced Researcher Officer (Medicinal / Organic Chemistry) (Postdoctoral or Senior Postdoctoral level – Level A or B) to contribute to cutting-edge research projects in cancer drug discovery and chemical biology, with a focus on induced proximity approaches such as Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) using PROTACs and molecular glues.

The core mission of the lab is to improve the lives of patients with cancer, by developing new approaches to study and therapeutically block previously ‘undruggable’ cancer targets. Our lab values respect, teamwork and collaboration, empowering everyone to grow, share their insights, and enjoy the research journey whilst contributing to groundbreaking discovery and translational science.

We use a range of cutting-edge methods in chemical biology/drug discovery to study and modulate Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs), including synthetic organic chemistry, structural biology and biophysics, cellular reporter assays, computational design/bioinformatics, and mass spectrometry proteomics. With close links to industry, this role also offers the opportunity to collaborate with local and international experts in E3 ligase biology and ubiquitin signalling, machine learning/Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics (chromatin organisation, transcription factor biology) and cancer immunotherapy.

Candidates for this position may be considered at a either a level A (postdoctoral) or level B (senior postdoctoral) level subject to experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design, synthesise and evaluate compounds (inhibitor, chemical probes and degraders, including molecular glue and bifunctional molecules).
• Supervision and development of more junior lab members, including Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.
• Rigorously perform relevant data analysis and quality assurance protocols.
• Maintain accurate records using Electronic Lab Notebooks and facilitate efficient capture of project IP and timely sharing of data and methods within the lab and with collaborators.
• Critically analyse project data and contribute ideas collaboratively with colleagues across disciplines to enable breakthroughs and drive projects forward.
• Regularly present research findings in a clear and comprehensive manner.
• Prior experience in computer-assisted drug design, including molecular docking, or chemical screening approaches would be an advantage, but are not essential.

Additionally, at Level B:

• Significant leadership contributions, including project organisation, HDR supervision and contributing to funding proposals.
• Previous experience in managing multiple chemistry projects, including oversight of chemical inventories and project data, and liaising with external Contract Research Organisations (CROs) will be highly regarded in this role.

In your application, please ensure to address each item in the separate Selection Criteria document (as applicable for Level A or Level B).

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences contains one of Australia's largest concentrations of leading health researchers, teachers and clinical titleholders. It's comprised of eight schools and a number of specialist disciplines, institutes and centres, variously focused on world-class research, and training the next generation of: medical doctors; surgeons; dentists; nurses; psychiatrists; psychologists; and other health professionals.

Learn more at: health.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 18 April 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Michael Roy
Group Leader in Resistance Prevention | SAiGENCI
E: michael.roy@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

Download the Position Description Apply now