Synthetic Medicinal Chemist
Position Overview
- Fixed Term – 4 Years | Full Time | $115k - $129k +15.4% super
- Sutherland Shire location I Health & Wellbeing Programs I Generous leave provisions
- Cafe on site | Swimming pool | free parking | campus-based environment
- Lead cutting-edge medicinal chemistry for neutron capture applications
About the Opportunity
The Synthetic Medicinal Chemist will lead the design, synthesis, purification, and characterisation of 10B-enriched and 18F-labelled neutron capture agents, that form the chemistry stream of ANSTO's NCEPT program. The position focuses on medicinal and organic synthesis, radiolabelling method development and analytical characterisation to generate novel and clinically relevant compounds for preclinical and clinical evaluation.
About You
We are looking for someone who is technically strong in synthesis and radiochemistry, but equally comfortable working across disciplines. Curiosity, reliability, and good scientific judgement matter just as much as technical skill in this role.”
– Mitra Safavi-Naeini, Principal Physicist and NCEPT Program Lead.
Your Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and synthesise novel 10B-enriched compounds, including amino acid analogues and derivatives for neutron capture applications.
- Develop, test and optimise synthetic routes for scale-up production and purification.
- Conduct 18F-radiolabelling and characterisation of compounds using quantitative methods (such as HPLC, NMR, MS, and PET tracers).
- Collaborate with radiobiologists and physicists to evaluate compound uptake, biodistribution, and radiobiological performance.
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Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and compliance with radiation protection, chemical safety, and quality systems.
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Contribute to publications, conferences, and supervision of students.
Please click here to view the Position Description.
About Us
ANSTO leverages great science to deliver big outcomes. We partner with scientists and engineers and apply new technologies to provide real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives, builds our industries and protects the environment. ANSTO is the home of Australia's most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from gaining access to state-of-the-art instruments every year.
Benefits of Working with Us
ANSTO employees are passionate about what they do. We enjoy being part of an organisation making a difference in the lives of Australians.
We support and reward our employees through eligibility for:
- Training, development and mentoring opportunities
- Performance based salary increases
- Flexible leave options
- 18 days personal/carers leave annually
- 3 days paid leave (Christmas to New Year)
- Parental leave: 18 weeks (primary), 8 weeks (secondary, increasing to 18 weeks by 2027)
- Annual flu vaccinations
- Cultural, NAIDOC, and First Nations ceremonial leave
If you want to join a world class organisation that's making a difference in the lives of Australians, apply now!
How to Apply
For further technical information relating to this position please refer to the Position Description or contact Mitra Safavi-Naeini on (02) 9717 3143. For all other queries please contact Talent Acquisition on +61 (02) 9717 3740.
To be eligible for appointment, applicants will require a security and pre-employment medical assessment.
Application closing date: 26th of November 2025 at 11:59pm
All applicants must be Australian citizens.
In order to solve great challenges, we need great minds and great teams. At ANSTO, we understand that diverse teams produce better outcomes and we value the merit that a diverse perspective can bring to our team. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, primary carers, those with a disability, and women in STEM. ANSTO is a charter member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and is proudly taking action to create a gender-inclusive workforce.