Biochemist

**Position Overview**:

- 3 Year Fixed Term | Full Time | $107k - $138k +15.4% super
- Lucas Heights, NSW location | Flexible Work practices I Health & Wellbeing Programs
- Exciting and challenging opportunity to contribute to the establishment of synthetic biology capability at ANSTO’s National Deuteration Facility (NDF) for engineering the biosynthetic production, purification and characterisation of organic molecules labelled with stable isotopes (2H, 13C, 15N).
- Great opportunity to be part of the NDF which is the only facility of its kind in Australia and one of only few in the world.

**About the Opportunity**:
The NDF Biochemist will lead the synthetic biology effort to design and build new microbial strains for biosynthesis of desired molecules, to complement the organic chemistry output. The role will also be responsible for developing small scale expression and purification protocols, and scale-up production and purification for supply of labelled molecules to users. Reporting to the NDF Director, the role has significant input into development of new research activity and grant opportunities for the NDF.

**About You**:
In this role, you will establish the synthetic biology platform for developing new strains capable of producing bespoke labelled molecules. You will have expertise in molecular techniques for heterologous expression in microbial systems, and in the purification and characterisation of organic molecules.

“_We are looking for a highly motivated and talented biochemist with demonstrated research experience in synthetic biology Design-Build-Test-Learn systems who is eager to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in science_” **Prof. Tamim Darwish - Director of the National Deuteration Facility.**

**Your Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Development of new protocols for production and purification of stable isotope labelled lipids and other molecules using synthetic biology principles.
- Perform genome mining to identify genes for development of new biosynthetic pathways and bioproduct synthesis.
- Use bioreactor screening techniques with design-build-test-learn cycles to develop strains for efficient production of labelled molecules.
- Develop small scale expression and purification protocols and perform scale-up production and purification for supply of labelled molecules to users.
- Establish networks with external researchers undertaking investigations that would benefit from the use of stable isotope labelled molecules.
- Supervise research students and provide expertise in the use of instruments and protocols.

**About Us**:
**Benefits of Working with Us**:
ANSTO employees are passionate about what they do. We enjoy being part of an organisation making a difference in the lives of Australians.

We support and reward our employees through eligibility for:

- Training, development and mentoring opportunities
- Performance based salary increases
- Work-life balance with generous leave entitlements and flexible conditions

**How to Apply**:
For further technical information relating to this position please refer to the Position Description or contact Tamim Darwish on (02) 9717 9080. For all other queries please contact Talent Acquisition on +61 (02) 9717 3740

To be eligible for appointment, applicants will require a security and pre-employment medical assessment.

**Application closing date: 28 May 2024 at 11:59pm