Senior Fermentation Scientist

PRIMARY DETAIL

An exciting opportunity to work for an innovative 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)

The Role

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is seeking a highly motivated Senior Fermentation Scientist to join the Australian Genome Foundry (AGF) for a two fixed term contract.

In this role you will provide technical leadership and fermentation, molecular and microbiology expertise across a diverse range of academic and industry projects focused on high throughput small scale microbial fermentation. You will contribute to the success of the AGF through communication and collaboration with academics, industry, and AGF team members.

Reporting to the Chief Scientist, you will:

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, for example, 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

Undertake a technical lead role for assigned projects, ensuring technical scope is clearly articulated and understood, and work closely and collaboratively with team members and key stakeholders to deliver in scope components. This includes facilitating discussions to explore options, develop best fit solutions, providing quotes and progressing the 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 including providing mentoring and support for team members and contributing to teaching or research activities as required

About Us

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. We are a rapidly expanding team of approximately 20 molecular biologists, analytical chemists, flow cytometry specialists, automation engineers, post-doctoral researchers, and operations staff. The AGF is supported by Bioplatforms Australia through funding from the Australian Government National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, the NSW Government and Macquarie University.

Located at Macquarie University and within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Australian Genome Foundry is a high-throughput strain engineering facility with modular robotic platforms capable of the construction and analysis of synthetic microbial strains using highly automated workflows. The AGF provides research support, expertise and services to the Australian and international research community across four streams: strain design and engineering, high-throughput fermentation, analytical chemistry and flow cytometry.

About You

You are an experienced scientist with technical leadership experience and expertise in delivering small-scale microbial fermentation projects. You will have experience working within complex multi-stakeholder environments and thrive working in a collaborative and supportive team. You will have excellent communication and collaboration skills, coupled with strong conceptual and analytical skills. You will be solutions focused and agile with the ability to build rapport and manage effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter that outlines how you meet the selection criteria below:

Essential:

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, have a 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:

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

Enquiries: Assoc Professor Briardo Llorente, AGF Chief Scientist at briardo.llorente@mq.edu.au

Applications Close: 14 August 2026

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.

***International applicants are encouraged to apply, visa sponsorship and relocation allowance available for the successful candidate, subject to eligibility.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking options

Extensive training and professional development programs

Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents

Onsite vacation care during school holidays

Discounted health insurance

Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre

Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support

Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account.

Applications Close:

14/08/2026 11:59 PM

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University.