Based in the College of Engineering, Information and Technology at the Adelaide CBD Campus, this is a full‑time, 12‑month fixed‑term contract. Salary Range: Level A (step 6–8), $102,024–$109,307 per annum (plus 17% superannuation).

This role is an exciting chance to contribute to cutting‑edge, interdisciplinary research focused on advancing next‑generation drug delivery technologies to improve the treatment of complex diseases and enhance patient outcomes. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic research program that designs, develops and optimises innovative therapeutic delivery systems, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, students and external partners to advance high‑impact research, publish in peer‑reviewed journals and translate discoveries into meaningful health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, development and optimisation of next‑generation lipid‑based drug delivery platforms.
• Conduct high‑quality, impactful research in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Mentor students and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Essential

- A PhD in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and characterisation, including encapsulation of nucleic acids (mRNA or siRNA).
- Proven experience in the design and chemical synthesis of novel lipids and peptides, including pH‑responsive and/or enzyme‑responsive peptides for biomedical applications.
- Solid understanding of endosomal escape mechanisms and intracellular trafficking relevant to RNA delivery systems.
- A demonstrated track record of conducting high‑quality,



impactful research in a multidisciplinary environment, and evidence of publishing in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven experience in collaborating with external agencies, industry stakeholders and multidisciplinary research teams.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve project objectives, mentor students and contribute to a positive team environment.
- Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and ability to contribute to the diversity of the School community.

Desirable

- Experience in confocal microscopy or flow cytometry techniques for studying intracellular delivery and endosomal escape.
- Knowledge of virus‑inspired or biomimetic drug delivery strategies, including understanding of viral cell entry and endosomal escape mechanisms.
- Familiarity with microfluidics‑based nanoparticle synthesis platforms and high‑throughput screening approaches for LNP optimisation.
- Proven experience in leading research projects and co‑supervising postgraduate students, demonstrating strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

Inclusion and Diversity

Adelaide University is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities. Flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

Employment Details

Full‑time, 12‑month fixed‑term contract.
Salary: Level A – $102,024–$109,307 per annum (plus 17% superannuation).

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Chemical Engineering (Adelaide)
🏢 Adelaide University
📍 Adelaide