Research Scientist

PPB Technology Pty Ltd

Job Description/Advertisement

Position: Research Scientist

Employment type: full-time

Salary: A$95,000 per annum base salary plus $3,000 per annum performance-based bonus.

Location: Canberra

Reports to: Science & Operations Lead.

About Us: PPB Technology (www.ppbtechnology.com.au) is a Canberra-based early-stage biotechnology company and home of The CYBERTONGUE® Technology. PPB Tech completed its seed round investment in September 2021, secured a $400,000 Accelerating Commercialisation grant in November 2021, and opened its Series A round in April 2023 raising $1.1M to date. PPB Technology launched its first product (a device and test for the alkaline protease of Pseudomonas fluorescens) in the Australian and New Zealand market in July 2023.

PPB Tech is now developing new food safety and quality assays to run on its multi-award-winning CYBERTONGUE® Device. PPB Technology is therefore seeking a Research Scientist to lead the development of new biosensors based on the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer principle.

About the Role: As a Research Scientist at PPB Technology, you will play a pivotal role in pioneering the development of cutting-edge biosensors and assays to run on our CYBERTONGUE® Device. The primary focus is on tests that will enhance food safety and quality. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead innovative research in the field of biotechnology, leveraging your expertise in engineering proteins to deliver specified novel functions. You will be at the forefront of designing, synthesising and testing novel biosensors, contributing to the expansion of our product offerings for the food processing sector. Your work will not only involve rigorous laboratory R&D but also extend to intellectual property creation, scientific communication, and contributing to the company's strategic and operational goals. This role requires a blend of scientific creativity, exemplary problem-solving skills, and business acumen. We are offering a challenging yet rewarding career path in a dynamic and growing start-up company.

Duties

·       Devise and conduct laboratory R&D to develop new biosensors and CYBERTONGUE® Assays.

·       Study target biomarker properties relevant for food and clinical markets (e.g. enzymes and small molecules)

·       Solve problems in the fields of assay development, formulation chemistry and biosensor design, using innovative approaches

·       Prepare intellectual property applications and scientific publications

·       Prepare reports for the Research & Development Tax Incentive

·       Assist with grant-writing and capital-raising activities as required

·       Assist the Science and Operations lead with expanding and maintaining PPB Technology’s quality management system

·       Assist the Science and Operations lead with laboratory management

·       Assist the Managing Director with all aspects of company strategy and operational delivery

·       Assist the Managing Director with marketing and sales activities on an occasional basis

·       Any other activities important for advancing the business

Required Skills/Selection Criteria

1.     The legal right to work full time in Australia

2.     A Ph.D. plus a minimum of two-years of relevant work experience in a scientific subject relevant to Biotechnology. Industry experience would be highly desirable.

3.     Demonstrated ability to plan and successfully execute strategies to develop and test novel biosensors, drawing on sophisticated molecular cloning, protein expression, protein purification and biochemical assay development expertise.

4.     Demonstrated ability to perform a range of analytical methods such as biosensing, spectroscopic analyses, fast protein liquid chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography.

5.     Demonstrated proficiency in biochemical and microbiological laboratory techniques, including:

o   Protein conjugation chemistry

o   Bacteriological techniques, including aseptic isolation, growth and characterisation of bacteria

o   Lab scale heterologous protein expression using E. coli fermentation

o   Protein purification using a range of techniques, including affinity chromatography 

o   Protein characterisation, including polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, absorbance and fluorescence measurements

o   DNA cloning (PCR, restriction digests, ligation, bacterial transformation, DNA sequencing analysis)

o   Performance of biochemical and enzyme kinetic and end point assays

6.     Demonstrated ability to lead the preparation of peer-reviewed publications for international scientific journals relevant to Biotechnology.

7.     Demonstrated eye for detail with a meticulous approach to experimental design, data analysis and documentation and the ability to plan sophisticated experiments.

8.     High levels of vigour and enthusiasm with a proactive mindset towards problem-solving and project execution in an environment where commercial needs determine priorities

9.     Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific concepts and experimental results to internal and external stakeholders, ranging from experts to lay people.

10.  Demonstrated attitudes of responsibility, openness and respect for others.

11.  Professional fluency in at least one major language other than English.

To apply for this position, please provide a written expression of interest that demonstrates how you meet all 11 of the Selection Criteria above. In this phase of your application, limit your responses to 50 words for each criterion.

Application Deadline: 1 April.

• Flexible hours available
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience required for this role
• Working rights required for this role
• Expected start date for role: 01 June 2024
• Expected salary: $95,000 per year