Research Officer (Medicinal Chemist), Australian Centre for Targeted Therapeutics (ACTT)

  • Bundoora
  • The Walter And Eliza Hall Institute Of Medical Research
Job Description An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer (Medicinal Chemist) to join ACTT at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.About the positionThe Australian Centre for Targeted Therapeutics (ACTT)’s vision is to transform the lives of cancer patients through a new class of medicines that unlock previously ‘undruggable’ targets.Led by WEHI, the ACTT will drive a drug development pipeline in collaboration with project partners, Monash University and the Children’s Cancer Institute, with the eventual aim to operate ACTT through a biotech spinout company.Located at WEHI’s Bundoora Biotech Centre, ACTT will focus on the development of new targeted protein degraders (TPD) against validated cancer-driving proteins as well as a TPD platform technology, with an initial focus on cancers with high-mortality rates.The Medicinal Chemist will be responsible for supporting medicinal chemistry efforts to design, synthesise and optimise a range of molecules: novel E3 ligase warheads, cancer target protein ligands, and degraders comprised of these components. The role forms part of ACTT’s multidisciplinary team, contributing synthetic and medicinal chemistry skills towards the achievement of project milestones, ultimately aiming to develop lead degrader molecules to combat cancer in the clinic. The position reports directly to the Lead Chemist in the ACTT and works closely with the Project Lead Chemist (Senior Research Officer).Selection CriteriaA PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or a related disciplineDemonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experiments to meet deadlinesAwareness of the key areas of optimisation for drug discovery (biophysical and biological activity, structural information, physicochemical properties)Attention to detail regarding up-to-date and accurate maintenance of lab book recordsClear understanding of small molecule structural determination using NMR and MS techniques and various purification methodsOutstanding academic or industrial track record (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and/or patents)Demonstrated ability to problem-solve within a team environmentDemonstrated understanding of intellectual property principles and the requirement to maintain confidentiality in a competitive, industrial, research environmentEnthusiasm for timely delivery of project milestones in a fast-paced team atmosphereThe following additional skills are highly desired:Prior experience working in the field of protein degradersExperience with computational modellingExperience in the use of NMR for protein-ligand structure or affinity studiesTerms of appointmentThis position is available for a fixed term until 30 Nov 2025 in a full-time capacity. Salary is Research Employee Level A ($ 97,152 – 104,281). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.