We're Hiring!

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally. 

We now have an opportunity available for passionate early career Researcher to join our team within the College of Science and Engineering as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. 

• Full-time; fixed-term for one year 
• Academic Level A $82,398 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
• Based at the Cairns Nguma-Bada campus, Smithfield
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 

About the College of Science and Engineering 

The College of Science and Engineering is a comprehensive provider of world class research and undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines.

As part of the Academy, the College of Science and Engineering promotes, supports and administers quality teaching, hands-on experiences, industry placements and research at JCU in the areas of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Zoology and Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Information Technology, Physical Sciences, and Engineering.

We are recognised globally for our excellence in research and we strive to ensure that we bring research directly into our classrooms. Our diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are united by a commitment to excellent teaching, experiential learning opportunities utilising our world class infrastructure and natural laboratories, and a commitment to diversity and respect for difference.

Our postgraduate courses offer professionals opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers and our PhD program has launched a thousand research careers.

About the opportunity 

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will collaborate closely with the biodiscovery and drug development team within the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) to engage in research endeavors, publications, student supervision, laboratory and data management tasks (such as meticulous record-keeping, data upkeep, project oversight, and participation in meetings), all aimed at meeting project deadlines and milestones.

What you can bring to the role 

1. Completion of a PhD organic/medicinal/pharmaceutical/synthetic/natural products chemistry or a related area.
2. Knowledge in drug discovery and development from natural products or organic compounds.
3. Experience in High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and their applications.
4. Demonstrated proficiency to carry out high quality research by practicing good laboratory management and projects with minimal supervision.
5. Ability to write manuscripts for peer reviewed journals and prepare grant applications.
6. Proven effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work effectively in partnership with colleagues in a multi-disciplinary research team, and to liaise and engage with industry partners, research providers and other key stakeholders.
7. Ability to prioritize work in response to deadlines.
8. Demonstrated experience in providing research administration support such as grant or manuscript preparation, report writing and research finance.
9. Familiarity and understanding of Workplace Health and Safety legislation and practical application within a laboratory with the ability to acquire sound knowledge of biosafety issues regarding handling of chemicals, which are toxic, corrosive, inflammable and explosive in nature and must be handled in accordance to the material safety data sheet (https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/chemwatch)
10. Demonstrated experience in respectfully working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an understanding of cultural sensitivities. 

Why JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including cafes and sporting fitness.

What matters to us at JCU? 

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to apply and contact details 

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button where you will be asked to complete an application form or alternatively, please apply directly via the via the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, including a response to each of the selection criteria.

Applications close on Sunday 24 August 2025 at 11:55 PM AEST.

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.  We value and celebrate the diversity of our community, and are committed to ensuring our community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.