Postdoctoral Senior Research Fellow

• School of Pharmacy / The Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE )

• Academic Level B

• Two full-time, fixed-term positions up to 18 March 2023 (with possible extension)

• Closing date 17 May at 11.00pm AEST (R-10723)

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking two highly talented and self-motivated Postdoctoral Senior Research Fellows to undertake research and development into the formulation, optimisation and evaluation of a range of drug-infused semi-solid formulations for delivery to mucosal tissue. The successful applicants will also be required to design chemical routes to small molecule agents, going on to perform synthesis, purification and characterisation of final products.

These industry-funded roles, based at The Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE), will be primarily involved in developing novel drug-infused semi-solid formulations with appropriate pharmaceutical properties for application in drug retention and drug release studies to mucosal tissue as determined via HPLC/LC-MS analysis. The lead formulations will then be assessed in a simulated 3D inhalation model.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research

• Develop a team research program, achieving national (and potentially international) recognition and impact in the research area.

• Develop and optimize a panel of sol-gel formulations infused with drugs, ensuring optimal performance by way of stability, gelation and rheology.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the research project, including method development and laboratory book recording (working towards GLP standards), data collection and critical analysis of data.

• Prepare milestone reports in a timely manner, for internal review, prior to submission and review by the industry partner.

• Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in national (and potentially international) research journals, other appropriate refereed publications and conference publications (subject to industry partner approval), with a lead role in some outputs.

• Participate in or contribute as chief investigator role (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities, which includes actively seeking, obtaining and managing research funding.

• Work with colleagues in the development of joint research projects and applications for competitive research funding support.

• Contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation, including commercialisation of UQ intellectual property.

Supervision and Researcher Development

• Effective supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students.

• Demonstrate personal effectiveness in supervision, management and development of researcher capability and skill.

Citizenship and Service

• Demonstrate behaviours that align to the UQ values.

• Show leadership of self and others through mentoring, collaboration and active participation in priority activities for the research team and unit.

• Effectively and efficiently manage internal service roles and administrative processes as required, including participation in decision-making and service on relevant committees.

• Actively pursue and develop external links and partnerships by cultivating relationships with industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.

This role is subject to The University’s Code of Conduct .  

About You

We are seeking experienced researchers with a Bachelor (Hons) or Master of Science in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry or a related field along with a completed PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery or related field. You will have a growing profile in research in medicinal organic chemistry as applied to deriving routes to the chemical synthesis/extraction and purification of small molecule agents/peptides, and their analysis by HPLC/LC-MS.

In addition, you will bring expertise in:

• Formulation, development and optimisation as it relates to semi-solid dosage forms, namely creams, gels and soluble gels.

• Assessing drug/formulation stability and drug release from semi-solid dosage forms.

• Assessing and optimizing drug release, rheology and textural properties of semi-solid dosage forms.

• Proven track record in contributing to the generation of intellectual property (IP) and experience drafting patent applications.

• Proven experience in efficient planning and execution of experiments, including a demonstrated ability in adopting a methodical, systematic approach to pharmaceutical experimental design and problem solving.

• A developing reputation and track record of inventorship by way of patents, and publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.

• Evidence of seeking/obtaining and managing research funding.

• A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.

• Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

• Supporting in vitro and in vivo work is desirable.

What We Can Offer 

This is a full-time (100% FTE), fixed-term position through to 18 March 2023 (with possible extension) at Academic Level B. 

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $101,533 - $120,570 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range $118,794 - $141,067 per annum. 

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ and review The University of Queensland's Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018 - 2021 . 

 
Questions? 

To discuss this role please contact Dr Harry Parekh ([email protected] ).

For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

Please note that you will be asked to add all documents into the one upload box during the application form.

Other Information 

Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.  

Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.  
 

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected] . 

If you are a current employee of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.