Development Scientist (Molecular Diagnostics / Bioinformatics/ NGS (Castle Hill)

Development Scientist (Molecular Diagnostics / Bioinformatics/ NGS (Castle Hill)

Job Title: Developement Scientist (Molecular Diagnostic (IVD) / Bioinformatics / NGS (Next Generation Sequencing)

Location: Castle Hill, NSW 2154 (Sydney, Australia)
Employment Type: 12‑month contract (with potential 12-month extension)

About HA TECH

HA TECH is an Australian biotechnology company specialising in the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced diagnostic products, biopharmaceuticals, and medical technologies. With state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Castle Hill and Kings Park, we have a large‑scale manufacturing capacity of:

- 40 million RT‑PCR tests per month, and

- 10 million rapid antigen tests per month.

Our innovations support earlier diagnosis, evidence‑based clinical decisions, and greater accessibility to high‑quality diagnostic testing across Australia and internationally.

As proud recipients of the 2022 NSW Premier's Export Award, we continue to expand rapidly and deliver impactful solutions to global healthcare challenges.

Join our fast‑growing organisation and contribute directly to the next generation of diagnostic technologies.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Development Scientist (Molecular Diagnostics / Bioinformatics) to join our multidisciplinary R&D; team. You will play a key role in designing, developing, and validating next‑generation diagnostic assays—including NGS‑based platforms, cancer‑focused applications, and advanced genomic workflows.

This position is suited for candidates passionate about turning scientific discoveries into real‑world diagnostic solutions with clinical and commercial impact.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development

- Design and execute experimental plans for current diagnostic assay development.

- Develop NGS‑based, PCR‑based, and other molecular workflows.

- Analyse experimental data, prepare technical documents, SOPs, and validation reports.

- Support regulatory submissions and participate in external audits.

- Minimum of 3+ years of experience is required for this research scientist position.

Laboratory & Technical Operations

- Perform routine laboratory duties, including equipment maintenance and calibration.

- Train and mentor junior team members when required.





- Assist with inventory, procurement, and resource planning.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Production, QA, Regulatory Affairs, commercial teams, and external collaborators.

- Support clinical study activities and interact with regulatory bodies as required.

- Contribute technical expertise to Sales & Marketing teams.

- Represent HA TECH at customer meetings, conferences, and trade shows.

Qualifications

- Honours or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.

- Australian work rights are required for this position.

Essential Skills & Experience

Molecular Biology & Wet‑Lab Competencies

- Strong understanding of cell‑free DNA (cfDNA) and extraction workflows.

- Excellent hands‑on pipetting technique and experience with serial dilutions and sample prep.

- Experience with NGS workflows: library preparation, targeted sequencing, whole‑genome sequencing.

- Hands-on experience with qPCR / digital PCR (dPCR).

- Ability to design assays for aneuploidy, microdeletions, SNP analysis.

- Understanding of pre‑analytical factors affecting cfDNA yield, fetal fraction, and maternal–fetal dynamics.

Bioinformatics & Computational Genomics

- Experience analysing NGS datasets (alignment, QC, variant calling).

- Understanding of fetal fraction estimation algorithms.

- Ability to develop or validate pipelines involving:

- Chromosomal counting

- Z‑score/statistical risk modelling

- GC‑bias correction & noise reduction

- Proficiency in Python and/or R, with experience in cloud or HPC environments.

- Knowledge of data security, pipeline validation, and regulated diagnostics traceability.

Biostatistics & Data Science

- Understanding of clinical validation study design and analysis.





- Ability to model sensitivity, specificity, PPV/NPV, CIs, and rare‑event statistics.

- Experience working with large datasets.

Project & Collaboration Skills

- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams (wet lab, bioinformatics, QA, clinical).

- Strong documentation, communication, and risk‑management skills.

- Experience managing timelines, suppliers, and external partners.

Desirable Skills (Not Essential)

Software Engineering & LIMS Integration

- Familiarity with LIMS workflows, data processing, reporting.

- Awareness of cybersecurity, audit trails, and privacy frameworks.

- Ability to contribute to clinician‑facing dashboards or reporting tools.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs

- Experience with ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and IVD lifecycle processes.

- Familiarity with regulatory pathways: TGA, CE‑IVDR, FDA.

- Experience preparing DHFs, verification/validation reports, PMS documentation.

- Understanding of QMS processes, CAPA, supplier qualification, and traceability.

What We Offer

- Competitive salary package.

- Supportive, collaborative workplace culture.

- Modern facilities in Castle Hill and Kings Park, NSW.

- Opportunities to gain hands‑on industry experience within a rapidly expanding biotech company.

- A culture rooted in innovation, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to **@ha-tech-ltd.com:

1. Your CV, including research projects and laboratory techniques.

2. Selection Criteria Statement, addressing all essential and desirable criteria as stated above:

(Following are some example selection criteria questions)

- Describe your hands‑on experience with qPCR and/or digital PCR.

- Outline your end‑to‑end experience with NGS workflows.

- Describe an NGS analysis pipeline you have developed, validated, or substantially modified.

- Discuss your experience working with low‑input DNA or cfDNA samples.

Important: Applications without a completed Selection Criteria Statement will not progress to review.

Email: **@ha-tech-ltd.com
Phone: 0431 581 *** / 0404 631 ***
Website: ha-tech-ltd.com

📌 Development Scientist (Molecular Diagnostics / Bioinformatics/ NGS (Castle Hill)
🏢 HA TECH
📍 Castle Hill