Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist – Structure Elucidation and Flavour Chemistry
The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) is the grape and wine industry’s own research organisation, supporting a thriving, sustainable future wine industry through world-class science, practical innovation, and knowledge transfer. The AWRI has strong connections across national and international research communities, offering a dynamic and stimulating work environment at the intersection of research excellence and industry impact.
The Institute is seeking an experienced Organic Chemist to join the Research Group in an ongoing, full-time role as Post Doc, Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist commensurate on experience. This position will focus on the detection and structure elucidation of key non-volatile and volatile compounds in wine across a diverse range of projects. A central focus at the outset will be the identification of sensorially active molecules, i.e. those that contribute to aroma, taste, texture, and potentially other sensory attributes.
The successful candidate will take a leadership role in projects aiming to discover and understand the compounds or compound classes in wine that influence the sensory experience, either individually or through interactions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute novel scientific insights with immediate relevance to wine producers and consumers.
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Ideal Candidate Profile
You will hold a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Natural Product Chemistry or related field with a strong background in mass spectrometry (MS), experience in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and track record demonstrating the identification, structure elucidation, and characterisation of organic compounds. You will bring analytical expertise, a good track record in peer-reviewed publishing, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
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Key Skills and Expertise
• Mass Spectrometry: expertise in tandem and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), using Orbitrap, TOF, Q-TOF, or FT-ICR instruments and MS/MS for the analysis of complex organic matrices.
• Structure Elucidation: advanced understanding of fragmentation mechanisms and the ability to interpret MS and/or NMR data to determine compound structures.
• Data Processing and Software: proficiency in data analysis tools, and familiarity with the use of spectral databases.
• Chromatographic Techniques: proficiency in LC-MS and GC-MS, as well as in using chromatographic separation for isolation and the analysis of complex samples.
• Scientific Innovation: a creative and solution-focused approach to analytical challenges, compound discovery, and structure confirmation.
• Collaboration and Communication: a strong record of peer-reviewed publication in high-impact journals, scientific presentations at conferences, excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively within and across teams, as well as external stakeholders.
• Quality, Safety and Compliance: demonstrated commitment to scientific integrity, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance.
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Desirable Additional Skills
• Synthetic Chemistry: an ability to synthesise identified or proposed compounds to support structure confirmation, sensory studies, or analytical validation.
• Method Development: experience in designing and optimising MS-based analytical methods for known, and ideally also novel compounds.
• Data science: experience with R, matlab, python or other digital tools would be a benefit.
• Leadership and Team Management: experience leading research teams, mentoring staff, and fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Project Management: proven skills in setting research priorities, coordinating resources, and delivering projects aligned with strategic goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Grant Writing and Reporting: experience preparing publications, competitive research funding proposals and managing reporting and compliance for funded projects.
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This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a world-class research organisation which makes tangible contributions to the wine industry. If you are passionate about chemistry, sensory science, and innovative research, we welcome your application.
For more information on the position and 2025 Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist Chemistry Position Description please visit our website at http://www.awri.com.au or contact Dr Keren Bindon on +61 8 8313 6600 or keren.bindon@awri.com.au.
Applications are invited until the position has been filled. Only applications that are completed via the online application form will be considered.