Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Biological Chemistry

Classification: Academic Level B (Lecturer), Academic Level C (Senior Lecturer)
Salary package: $107,475 - $143,433 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Continuing full time

The Opportunity

Biological Chemistry, including biocatalysis, biophysics, protein engineering, and synthetic biology are fast-moving, growth areas with demonstrated impacts in health, food and environmental sciences. The Research School of Chemistry is a key player in this area, with multidisciplinary links that span engineering, medical research, biology, materials and the social sciences. The Biological Chemistry cluster in the RSC hosts two Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence, shares teaching of the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with the Research School of Biology (RSB) and is also jointly leading the cross-disciplinary ANU SynBio Initiative. 

To further expand our capabilities, we are seeking candidates with expertise in protein chemistry, structural biology, biochemistry, biocatalysis, biophysics and/or protein engineering. The new appointees will share outstanding in-house research infrastructure for protein production, purification and analyses (bioreactors; high-field NMR and EPR spectroscopy; high-resolution mass spectrometry) and collaborate with word-leading scientists across biological chemistry at the RSC and beyond. The candidates will also have access to the excellent infrastructure including the recently acquired state-of-the-art cryo-EM and confocal microscope platforms at ANU’s Centre for Advanced Microscopy and high-throughput drug screening facility at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (https://jcsmr.anu.edu.au/research/centres/actd).

The appointment is available for Academic Levels B or C (Lecturer or Senior Lecturer). To support the identified areas of research focus for the School, preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated track record and an active research program in the fields defined above. Candidates will be considered on their merits relative to the degree of postdoctoral experience and the impact of any career breaks. The primary criterion for selection will be academic excellence. 

Are you an exceptional candidate?   Can you demonstrate that, relative to your career stage:

• you are, or have the potential to become, a world-class researcher in biological chemistry, with a strong, independent research program funded by external grants;
• your research and teaching reflect the latest advances in their fields, with a clear interest/commitment to teaching excellence;

• you are interested in dimensions beyond research and teaching; for example, public outreach, engaging with industry, science communication or tertiary science pedagogy; 

• you are collaborative and collegial, and will be accessible to colleagues, research students and undergraduates; and
• you have a high-level understanding of and commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access in a University context.

For further information about these positions please consult the candidate information booklet. or contact the Director of the Research School of Chemistry, Professor Penelope Brothers (director.rsc@anu.edu.au).  Appointees will be supported by a package that may include a contribution from the ANU Futures Fund, designed to attract outstanding faculty to the ANU. 

The RSC is committed to diversity and gender equity and encourages applications from candidates who identify as women or non-binary. Eligible appointees will also be considered for a Rita Cornforth Fellowship (https://chemistry.anu.edu.au/about/rita-cornforth-fellowship), providing additional resources over 5 years to women and non-binary candidates of exceptional academic merit. Note that this position will be advertised simultaneously with a second Academic Level C, D or E (Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor or Professor) position for candidates who identify as female or non-binary, to which applicants at this career stage are encouraged to apply.

The Research School of Chemistry

The ANU Research School of Chemistry is located within the ANU College of Science and hosts 20 continuing academic faculty and over 100 postdoctoral researchers and PhD students from around the world.  Our research is supported by outstanding equipment, infrastructure and professional staff, and is funded by an extensive range of external grants.  The School conducts research, PhD research training, and Masters and undergraduate education in a wide range of chemical sciences.  Our research activities are organized into three broad clusters: chemical synthesis, materials science and biological chemistry.  Our research is supported by excellent infrastructure and facilities, including Mass Spectrometry, Magnetic Resonance, X-ray Diffraction, Separation Science, Polymer and Biopolymer characterisation, and Lasers and Photochemistry, each managed and supported by a dedicated professional scientist, and an in-house electrical and mechanical workshop. Our researchers collaborate widely within the ANU, Australia and around the world. Our graduates go on to jobs in academia, industry, public service and entrepreneurship. The RSC also encourages and supports translational research and the establishment of start-up companies.

ANU provides support to staff with a range of lifestyle, financial and non-financial rewards and programs, including on-campus childcare facilities, to support staff in maintaining a healthy work/life balance whilst encouraging success in reaching their full career potential.

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. People with a disability are encouraged to apply.

Application information

In order to apply for this role please upload the following documents.

• A statement addressing each of the selection criteria and which includes:
• a statement of your research vision for the next 5-10 years, including the potential for collaborations within RSC and the ANU (1-2 pages);
• a statement of your teaching and supervision philosophy (1-2 pages); and
• a statement addressing your contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and service, and your approach to achieving engagement and impact (1-2 pages).
• an optional statement which clearly articulates any personal circumstances which should be taken into consideration when assessing your achievements.
• A list of your top 10 publications, each one with a short description of its impact and your contribution.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor).  If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.

Selection criteria

Detailed selection criteria for Academic Levels B and (equivalent to Lecturer, Senior Lecturer) are given in the candidate information booklet.  The selection panel will be chaired by the RSC Director, Professor Penelope Brothers, and all panel members will undertake appropriate training in equity and diversity and avoiding bias.

The selection panel will consider each application according to the selection criteria using the principles of capability-based selection, to develop a holistic assessment of the recruitment case.  The panel will focus on each candidate’s potential for future achievements across several dimensions:

• quality and impact of achievements;
• adaptability and the ability to learn or create;
• commitment, purpose, and drive to be engaged in the advertised role;
• stage of the applicant’s career and their career trajectory; and
• impact of personal circumstances during the course of their career.

If you require adjustments to participate in any of the above assessments, please contact our HR team at E: hr.cos@anu.edu.au or T: +61 2 6125 9708 Any adjustment request or the disclosure of disability will not be communicated to the selection committee without the candidates consent and it will not be having any bearing on hiring decisions.

For examples of common reasonable adjustments please click here.

Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.