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

Job Title

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Research Officer (Medicinal Chemist/Molecular Modeller) to join ACTT at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the position

The 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. This is a dual role, forming part of ACTT’s multidisciplinary team, contributing synthetic/medicinal chemistry and molecular modelling skills towards the achievement of project milestones, ultimately aiming to develop lead degrader molecules to combat cancer in the clinic. This hybrid role will therefore comprise both lab and office-based responsibilities according to the demands of ACTT projects. The position reports directly to the Lead Chemist in the ACTT and works closely with the Project Lead Chemist (Senior Research Officer).

Selection Criteria

• A PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or a related discipline

• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute experiments to meet deadlines

• Awareness of the key areas of optimisation for drug discovery (biophysical and biological activity, structural information, physicochemical properties)

• Strong background in the use of molecular modelling software (e.g. Schrodinger suite) for experiments such as docking, molecular dynamics simulations, pharmacophore modelling etc

• Attention to detail regarding up-to-date and accurate maintenance of lab book records

• Clear understanding of small molecule structural determination using NMR and MS techniques and various purification methods

• Outstanding academic or industrial track record (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and/or patents)

• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve within a team environment

• Demonstrated understanding of intellectual property principles and the requirement to maintain confidentiality in a competitive, industrial, research environment

• Enthusiasm for timely delivery of project milestones in a fast-paced team atmosphere

The following additional skills are highly desired:

• Prior experience working in the field of protein degraders

Terms of appointment

This 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.

General enquiries can be directed to Nicole Trainor

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 above in pdf format.

Application Closing Date:  21 April 2024.