Job Title Research Officer (Medicinal Chemist)

We have 2 exciting Research Officer (Medicinal Chemist) opportunities available to join the Technological Sciences Division at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the program

The Bridging Barriers in Brain Cancer (B3C) program aims to transform the lives of people affected by brain cancer by developing pioneering new medicines capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Led by WEHI, B3C is establishing a platform-enabled drug discovery and development pipeline, focused on targeted drug conjugates designed to deliver potent anti-cancer therapies into the brain.

B3C brings together a highly multidisciplinary team across partner organisations, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Monash University, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Queensland and the University of Technology Sydney, with the long-term ambition of transitioning B3C into a successful biotech spinout.

B3C represents a unique opportunity to build a purpose-driven, translational drug development centre from the ground up, integrating discovery science, preclinical development, translational strategy and commercial readiness.

About the position

Reporting to the Laboratory Head, the Research Officer (medicinal chemistry) will be part of the team developing bioconjugates as brain shuttles to target brain cancers within the B3C Program.

The successful candidate will also join a large multidisciplinary team bringing together biologists, biopharmaceutical scientists and bio-informaticians, all aiming to develop novel anti-cancer medicines.

This laboratory-based role involves close collaboration with the Chemistry Lead to design, synthesise, and characterise novel payload‑linker platforms for the development of innovative bioconjugates.

Embedded within a commercially focused program, the role offers the opportunity to contribute to translational research with real-world impact. While publication opportunities may arise, these will align with commercial priorities.

The candidate will possess strong work ethics, teamwork spirit, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record in organic synthesis and/or medicinal chemistry within academic or biopharmaceutical settings.





Selection Criteria

Personal qualities

- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment.
- Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that data, new methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.
- Ability to manage time effectively and be reliable and approachable.

Knowledge and skills

- A relevant doctoral qualification (PhD) in organic chemistry with demonstrated experience in small molecular drug discovery.
- An excellent academic record and achievements.
- Demonstrated ability and potential for excellence and productivity in research.
- Demonstrated solid theoretical knowledge and practical skills in organic chemistry.
- Demonstrated independence in problem‑solving skills in synthetic route development.
- Stay informed of relevant literature in the field of bioconjugation and synthetic chemistry.
- Research experience that has resulted in publications, conference papers or reports.
- Proven interpersonal and collaborative skills in achieving research outcomes.
- Ability to understand relevant biological assays and analyse data to guide project directions.

Desirable

- Experience working in commercial academic projects, biotech, pharma or start‑up environments.
- Experience in novel linker designs and conjugation strategies is highly regarded.
- Familiarity with regulatory or compliance considerations in research or healthcare settings.

Terms of appointment

These positions are available on a full-time basis for an initial period of 2 years. Applications from candidates seeking a minimum appointment of 0.8 FTE will also be considered.

Salary is Research Employee Level A6-A8 (AUD $107,194 - $115,059).

- Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment,



novated leasing and more.
- 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

General enquiries can be directed to Duong Nhu (Senior Research Officer): [email protected].

A position description is available here.

Application Closing Date: Tuesday 25 August 2026.

WEHI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity.

We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI’s ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation.

Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students.

We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities.

Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI’s commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries.

We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students.

We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

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📌 Research Officer (Medicinal Chemist) (Williamstown)
🏢 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
📍 Williamstown