Phage Display Research Scientist

Full time

Location: Darlinghurst

The Biologics Platform at Garvan Institute is at the cutting edge of biologic therapeutic discovery and engineering, focusing on the development of innovative antibody-based treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inherited diseases. Our multidisciplinary team uses state-of-the-art technologies such as phage display, high-throughput screening, and advanced protein engineering techniques to deliver next-generation biologics. Collaborating across teams and institutions, we drive projects from initial concept through to preclinical development, with the goal of transforming patient care through groundbreaking therapies.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As part of the Biologics Platform, the Phage Display Associate Scientist will support therapeutic antibody discovery and biologic engineering efforts. The role focuses on aid in designing, constructing, and optimizing and execution of phage display libraries as welwell as screening them for high-affinity antibody binders. Working in collaboration with cross-functional teams, this role will contribute to developing cutting-edge biologics from concept through preclinical stages, applying high-throughput technologies and molecular engineering techniques.

Salary: $100,000 - $110, % super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS

• Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)

• Ample opportunities for on-going training and development

• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment

• Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation

• A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave

• Discounted Health Insurance

• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The key responsibilities include:

• Phage Display Library Panning: Conduct phage display library selections against a variety of target antigens to identify high-affinity antibody binders.

• High-throughput Cloning: Perform cloning of antibodies and antibody fragments into multiple formats, ensuring high-quality molecular constructs for subsequent screening and characterization.

• Screening and Characterization: Lead high-throughput screening campaigns using ELISA, flow cytometry, and other binding assays to characterize phage and IgG hits.

• DNA and Phage Library Preparation: Prepare DNA and phage libraries through cloning, DNA purification, E. coli electroporation, and phage rescue to ensure high-quality library materials for selection campaigns.

• Mammalian Cell Culture: Maintain and use mammalian cells for expressing antibody fragments and testing their functional properties.

• Biophysical and Functional Assays: Utilize advanced biophysical assays such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and BioLayer Interferometry (BLI) to assess binding kinetics and affinity of selected antibodies.

• Automation and Process Development: Use liquid handling automation systems and develop automated workflows for molecular biology processes to enhance the efficiency of screening campaigns.

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze experimental data and report findings, providing scientific insights to drive project decision-making.

• Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and external collaborators to advance biologic discovery projects.

ABOUT YOU

The key skills and experience include:

Must Have:

• Master's Degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field, with at least 2 years of relevant experience for RA7-8 level.

• Strong technical proficiency in molecular biology techniques, such as restriction enzyme or scarless cloning in complex antibody formats.

• Demonstrated experience in phage display library construction, screening, and antibody characterization.

• Hands-on experience with antibody screening by ELISA and other binding assays, including the use of liquid handling automation.

• Familiarity with bacterial and mammalian cell culture techniques.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with display library design and construction.

• Experience with protein/antibody engineering, including affinity maturation.

• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques for antibody sequencing and analysis.

• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and databases used in antibody discovery (e.g., Genedata Biologics).

• Experience with protein structural analysis software for engineering antibodies and biologics.

ABOUT GARVAN

Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia's largest and most highly regarded MRI's.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.

Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture 'add', not culture 'fit' and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you're the right person for this role, we'd love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart.

Applications open: 28th October 2025

Applications close: 26th November 2025