• Full time fixed term contract available until 31/12/2026, with possible extension until 31/12/2027

• Join a multidisciplinary research team working on an MRFF‑funded project focused on the development of inhaled bacteriophage therapies

• Base Salary starting from $113,400 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The Sydney Pharmacy School is internationally recognised as a leader in pharmacy research and education. Our academics drive innovation across medication management, patient care, and health policy. Our team of researchers lead key internationally competitive research from medication management to co-design, as well as from patient to policy across a range of therapeutic areas.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Level A, Step 6) to join a multidisciplinary research team working on an MRFF‑funded project focused on the development of inhaled bacteriophage therapies for the treatment of multidrug‑resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.

The successful candidate will lead experimental work on phage formulation engineering to enhance biological stability and aerosol performance during nebulisation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a clinically significant translational program addressing antimicrobial resistance using novel biological therapeutics.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Conduct a major MRFF-supported research project focused on nebulised bacteriophage therapy for respiratory infections

• Develop and optimise liquid and dry powder phage formulations, incorporating excipients and amino acids to improve stability during storage and aerosolisation

• Perform biological characterisation of bacteriophages, including stability, antimicrobial activity, and structural integrity before and after nebulisation

• Undertake formulation and aerosol characterisation, including:

• -Laser diffraction

• -Next Generation Impactor (NGI)

• -Liquid chromatography-based analyses

• Analyse and interpret experimental data to inform iterative formulation optimisation

• Support additional phage formulation projects, including applications relevant to companion and production animals

• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant reporting, and dissemination of research outcomes

• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team and contribute to a positive research culture.

About you

• A PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent relevant research experience

• Proven experience in liquid and powder formulation development, including techniques such as:

  • Spray drying

  • Freeze drying

  • Spray freeze-drying

• Demonstrated expertise in biological characterisation of bacteria and bacteriophages, including:

  • Plaque assays

  • Phage isolation, purification, and amplification

• Research experience in powder characterisation techniques, such as:

  • Laser diffraction

  • Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

  • Dynamic vapour sorption (DVS)

  • Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

  • X‑ray diffractometry (XRD)

  • Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM)

• Experience in aerosol performance characterisation, including the use of impactors and liquid chromatography

• A peer‑reviewed publication record, with evidence of research quality relative to opportunity and career stage

• Demonstrated scientific creativity, innovation, and problem‑solving ability

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-based research environment.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

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

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rachel Ann Yazigi, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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