Research Fellow – CNS Drug Delivery Full-time

Research Fellow – CNS Drug Delivery

Join the newly-established Academic Node within the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation (CDCO), where you will contribute to innovative work addressing some of the most complex challenges in brain health.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research program within the CDCO Academic Node. This role focuses on evaluating novel strategies to enhance the delivery of small molecule drugs and biologics across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), with applications in brain cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing translational research, with a strong emphasis on assessing brain exposure in vivo using quantitative analytical approaches.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and conducting in vivo studies to evaluate drug and biologics delivery across the BBB
• Performing quantitative analysis of small molecules and biologics
• Working with in vitro cell culture systems and relevant disease models
• Applying imaging modalities to support drug distribution and efficacy studies
• Collaborating with national partners across a multidisciplinary research network

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, and neuroscience, within a highly collaborative and translational research setting.

About you:

You will bring demonstrated experience in a relevant field such as pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical science, or a related discipline. Experience with in vivo models, bioanalysis, and/or drug or biologics delivery research will be highly regarded.

This is a 12-month appointment at Level A, ideal for an early-career researcher looking to build expertise in a high-impact research program with strong collaborative links.

About Monash University:

At Monash, work feels different. There's a sense of belonging, from contributing to something ground breaking – a place where great things happen. We make tangible contributions because our purpose is clear; to deliver positive economic, social and environmental impact in resolving the global challenges of our age.

At the core of achieving this purpose is the diversity of our staff. We welcome and value everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. When you come to work, you can be yourself, be a change-maker and develop your career in exciting ways. This is why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Some 20,000 staff work for Monash around the world. We have 95,000 students, four Australian campuses, and campuses in Malaysia and Indonesia. We also have a major presence in India and China, and a significant centre and research foundation in Italy.

In our short history, we have skyrocketed through global university rankings and established ourselves consistently among the world's best tertiary institutions. We rank in the world's top-50 universities in rankings including the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Together with our commitment to academic freedom, you will have access to quality research facilities, infrastructure, world-class teaching spaces, and international collaboration opportunities.

Today, we have the momentum to create the future we need for generations to come. Accelerate your change here.

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To apply, please submit a resume along with a cover letter that addresses your experience in the 4 key areas outlined under the Key Selection Criteria in the position description.

• Demonstrated analytical and manuscript preparation skills; including a track record of refereed research publications
• A demonstrated ability and hands on experience in working with mice in a research environment
• A demonstrated ability to quantitatively analyse small molecules and/or biologics (e.g. proteins, antibodies) in biological matrices
• Ability to solve complex problems by using discretion, innovation and exercise diagnostic skills and/or expertise

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at hr-recruitment@monash.edu in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries: Professor and Director Joseph Nicolazzo, Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences T: + 61 3 9903 9605

Applications Close: Monday 13 April 2026, 11:55pm AEDT

Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.