Lead - Discovery (Biologics)

Garvan's Biologics Platform enables the discovery, engineering, and development of protein-based therapeutics across cancer, immunology, and rare diseases. This position will be a cornerstone of our biologics discovery capability, delivering high-quality binders and early-stage candidates to downstream engineering, AI-driven optimisation, and translational programs.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Lead – Biologics Discovery will lead the discovery front of the Biologics Platform, focusing on hit identification, binder screening, affinity maturation, and early optimisation.This role will employ advanced display technologies, molecular biology, and high-throughput screening strategies to generate high-value candidates for therapeutic development.

This role will:

• Design and execute phage and mammalian display campaigns for diverse target classes.

• Lead selection, screening, and down-selection workflows to ensure candidates meet performance criteria.

• Collaborate closely with Antibody Engineering, AI Protein Design, and Program Management teams to ensure seamless integration of discovery outputs into downstream pipelines.

• Build and refine the discovery capability within the Biologics Platform, mentor technical staff, and contribute to platform strategy.

The position will work in a highly collaborative environment with the Head of Biologics and internal/external partners, contributing to both discovery-stage and translational programs.

Salary: Up to $160, % super + salary packaging (depending on experience)

Employment Type: 2-year fixed-term contract

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:

• Lead biologics discovery projects from target initiation through to down-selected candidates.

• Establish and oversee workflows for display-based selection, affinity maturation, and binder optimisation.

• Guide construct design and assay strategies for discovery campaigns.

• Collaborate with engineering and computational teams to ensure data-driven progression decisions.

• Interpret screening, binding, and functional assay data to guide candidate selection

• Mentor and train junior scientists and research assistants in discovery methodologies.

• Actively contribute to project planning, timelines, and milestone delivery within multidisciplinary teams.

• Contribute to grant proposals and publications.

• Maintain high-quality lab records and ensure compliance with WHS standards.

ABOUT YOU

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

The key skills and experience include:

Essential:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related field.

• Mandatory prior industry or postdoctoral experience in therapeutic biologics discovery.

• Demonstrated expertise in display technologies (phage and/or mammalian) and screening workflows.

• Strong molecular biology skills, including construct design and expression.

• Experience interpreting functional, binding, and screening datasets to guide candidate progression.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently within a collaborative framework.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Track record of publications and/or patents in relevant areas.

Desirable:

• Experience with automation and high-throughput screening methods.

• Familiarity with integration of discovery outputs into engineering and computational pipelines.

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. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.