Position Overview Exciting opportunity to work for an creative team that supports and enables cutting‑edge synthetic biology research and translation.

- Build networks and collaborate with industry leaders
- Annual base salary from $114,992 to $124,676 per annum (Level 7) pro‑rata, plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading (salary commensurate with experience)
- Full‑time, 2‑year fixed term contract
- Based at Macquarie University (North Ryde) Responsibilities - Provide expert advice on small‑scale microbial fermentation and bioprocess engineering to AGF staff, clients and collaborators
- Develop effective bioprocess engineering strategies to increase rate, yield, and titre for desired products
- Undertake method development for high‑throughput workflows, e.g., genetic design, genomic modification, microbial transformation, multi‑well plate culturing, liquid handling protocols
- Maintain the AGF’s small‑scale high‑throughput microbial fermentation instruments to a high standard, including troubleshooting, liaising with vendors, managing consumables, developing standard operating procedures, maintenance manuals and method protocols
- Lead assigned projects, ensuring technical scope is clearly articulated and understood; work closely and collaboratively with team members and key stakeholders to deliver in‑scope components—facilitating discussions to explore options, develop best‑fit solutions, provide quotes and progress technical components for delivery on time and to budget
- Maintain high standards of data produced by AGF, keep comprehensive, up‑to‑date records, and produce documentation for project proposals, reviews, systems analysis and tests, and for operations
- Attend and present at technical conferences, workshops and project meetings
- Model and foster an inclusive, high‑performing work environment that rewards new ideas, sets clear expectations, and addresses concerns quickly




- Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and foster a positive, supportive and collaborative culture through actively engaging with AGF team members, providing mentoring and support for team members and contributing to teaching or research activities as required About the Australian Genome Foundry (AGF) The AGF provides high‑quality synthetic biology and analytical chemistry services through multiple engagement models for both national and international clients. The AGF has a mixed portfolio of activities including contract, collaborative, applied, and fundamental research, and technology development for industry, government and the research community. It is a rapidly expanding team of approximately 20 scientists and specialists, supported by Bioplatforms Australia.

Essential Qualifications - Doctoral degree in chemical or fermentation engineering, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, microbiology or a related discipline, and experience working with bioreactors/fermentation equipment

- Sound understanding of biochemistry and microbiology
- Demonstrated experience with developing metabolic engineering solutions and effective bioprocess engineering strategies to increase rate, yield, and titre for desired products
- Experience with managing, maintaining and troubleshooting small‑scale fermentation platforms and developing protocols and documentation for laboratory research projects
- Sound knowledge and experience applying work health and safety legislation, regulations,



and safe work practices to the operation and use of research laboratory environments (including in PC2 facilities)
- Detail‑oriented, commitment to rigorous, reproducible science and a considered, logical, analytical and creative approach to problem‑solving
- A mindset of continuous improvement and innovation and keeping current with issues affecting the industry and its technologies
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to articulate and explain complex technical concepts or information effectively to a non‑expert audience
- Excellent collaboration skills, including the ability to develop and maintain relationships with team members and a diverse range of stakeholders
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills including the ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and project objectives Desirable Qualifications - Experience with liquid handling robotics
- Experience in microbial strain engineering
- Experience in contributing to project proposals and reviewing technical specifications and reports
- Experience working with the Beckman Coulter Biolector XT, the Sartorius AMBR250 HT and/or other small‑scale high‑throughput microbial fermentation equipment Diversity and Inclusion The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEM roles. Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.

Application Deadline Applications close: 14 August 2026 International Applicants International applicants are encouraged to apply; visa sponsorship and relocation allowance are available for the successful candidate, subject to eligibility.

📌 Senior Fermentation Scientist (City of Sydney)
🏢 Macquarie University Hospital
📍 City of Sydney