An exciting opportunity is available for a Research Assistant (Medicinal Chemist) to join the Lessene Laboratory in the Technological Sciences Division at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute. This position will be part of an exciting current start-up, Synerva Therapeutics.

About the Position

Synerva Therapeutics Ltd, a WEHI start-up, is dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape for Parkinson's disease. Synerva leverages cutting-edge insights in neurobiology to design and develop first-in-class small-molecule therapies to stop neurons from dying in neurodegenerative diseases. By targeting the underlying molecular drivers of neurodegeneration, Synerva aims to move beyond symptomatic relief toward disease-modifying solutions.

Our multidisciplinary team partners with clinicians and lived experience to ensure we are scientifically rigorous, translationally-focused and patient-centred. The company aspires to develop treatments that can meaningfully improve outcomes and redefine what is possible for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.

Reporting to the Laboratory Head, the Research Assistant (medicinal chemistry) will be part of the team developing small molecule leads to treat Parkinson's and related neurodegenerative diseases.

This laboratory-based role will work closely with other members of Synerva and the Lessene lab and will be expected to conduct milestone-oriented research in alignment with the Synerva project plan. 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.

Selection Criteria

Essential Knowledge and Skills

- BSc with Honours in a relevant area of study (e.g. organic chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry) and subsequent laboratory research experience.
- Basic computer skills and ability to accurately record data, results and the development of new methods and theories.
- Project management, excellent oral and written communication and reporting skills.
- Demonstrated theoretical knowledge and practical skills in organic chemistry.
- Experience in the synthesis, purification and characterisation of small molecules.
- Demonstration of good lab practices, with particular attention to safety.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:
- Familiarity with the principles of medicinal chemistry in the optimisation of lead compounds.




- Experience working in commercial academic projects, biotech, pharma or start-up environments
- Understanding of confidentiality and intellectual property

Personal Qualities:
- Good communication skills and the ability to work constructively within a team environment.
- Ability to work as part of a team using experimental protocols.
- Excellent attention to detail and record keeping, ensuring that data, new methods and theories are accurate, of high-quality and accessible to other researchers.
- Highly motivated, reliable and approachable, with strong organisation skills, and the ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines (including research milestones).
- Willing to learn, take direction and have progress reviewed where required.

Terms of Appointment

This position is available on a full-time basis for an initial period of one year with the potential extension, contingent on funding. Applications from candidates seeking a minimum appointment of 0.6 FTE will also be considered.

Salary is Research Support Employee Level 5 ($84,479 - $97,036), commensurate with qualifications and experience. 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 Chris Gardner - ***@wehi.edu.au A position description is available here.

How to Apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 8 October 2026.

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery.

Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer,



infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally.

We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world.

We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

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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