Head of Antibody Engineering

The Antibody Engineering Platform provides a cutting-edge laboratory facility dedicated to the development and application of antibody therapeutics, aiming to fulfil the Garvan Institute's critical needs in this domain.

The Development Platform facilitates clinical development of basic research. Bringing together expertise in diagnostics and drug development, the team will work closely with researchers to identify promising candidates for translation and assist with the transition from research to development and on to clinical implementation or licensing.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Head of Antibody Engineering / Head of Development is responsible for guiding and developing the two platforms, enabling innovative translational research. This includes managing a core team of scientists and technologists and providing strategic direction.

The incumbent will work closely with the Chief Scientific Officer, Program Directors, Platform Heads and other stakeholders to support the strategic, business and operational direction of the Platform. Financial and business management are an essential component of the role. This is a 5 year maximum 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

Head of Antibody Engineering

• Refine the and implement the business model and operational plan of the Garvan Antibody Engineering Platform

• Recruit a team of scientists and technicians to establish the platform as a leader in antibody engineering in Australia

• Develop a governance structure, network of internal/external/local/international advisors and establish formal processes for target prioritisation

• Engage with researchers across Garvan’s programs to identify target candidates

• Consider models for collaboration with external researchers if capacity allows

• Participate in developing opportunities for external funding, develop relationships with relevant government and industry partners.

Head of Development

• Scope and build the Development platform, responsibilities and activities, in accordance with organisational requirements

• Work closely with researchers to identify candidate technologies, drug targets and diagnostics for development

• Establish a process for assessing potential candidates including input from internal and external advisors

• Collaborate with the CDI team to set development strategy for each candidate

Operational and Strategic Management

• Oversight of Platform operations in alignment with a working model developed in collaboration with the CSO, other Platform Heads, and GLT

• Ensure the Platform staff maintain a commitment to continuous improvement and the adoption of best practices consistent with Garvan’s policies and procedures.

• Work with the Chief Scientific Officer to establish strategic direction for the Platform to support and enable researchers across Garvan

• Keep abreast of changes in the direction and approach to operational policies and quality processes and procedures across Garvan to implement as needed

• Represent the Platforms nationally and internationally

Management and Development of Staff

• Establish the platforms, recruiting staff and building a team

• Guide and develop a high-performance work culture, aligned to Garvan’s values and focused on the achievement of the Platform’s strategic plan(s).

• Coordinate the annual performance planning (goal setting) and review of direct reports’ performance and achievements, in consultation with the Chief Scientific Officer.

• Build and maintain a strong functional team through effective recruitment, coaching and team building.

• Enhance individual and team effectiveness and efficiency through performance management and staff empowerment.

• Develop and maintain operating processes and procedures that make it easy for customers to do great science.

• Maintain knowledge of operational best practice and its application to ensure continuous improvement and fit for purpose solutions.

Financial Management

• Provide strategic advice and direction in the development, overall management and responsibility of the Platform budget and forecasts in line with platform objectives and key performance indicators.

• Advise the Chief Scientific Officer on strategic planning aligned with the budget, and provide direction on the budget process in line with platform goals

Business Planning

• Proactively identify opportunities for change within the Platform that will help enhance the Platform’s ability to meet its strategic goals.

• Analyse and provide appropriate information to the Chief Scientific Officer to support decision-making e.g. financial, human resources, trend/operational data

• Lead the design, development and delivery of key strategic projects of the Genomics Platform

Engagement, Collaboration & Communication

• Develop and maintain all relevant internal and external relationships to understand and meet the Platform’s needs of stakeholder groups.

• Support business development within the Platform and provide expertise in commercialisation and manufacturing.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and staff, role modelling Garvan’s values (detailed below).

ABOUT YOU

Formal qualifications and experience

• Senior professional scientist with a PhD and/or equivalent applicable qualifications within the relevant field.

• Proven experience with antibody engineering

• Proven experience with supporting progression of early-stage research to clinical development

• Demonstrated experience in a management position, with financial and people leadership accountabilities.

• High order critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions.

• Demonstrated organisational ability and strong project management skills, including the capacity to manage multiple projects and deliver on deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including demonstrated experience in liaison, negotiation and conflict resolution with staff at all levels.

• Well-developed written communication skills.

• Highly developed computer literacy skills with the ability to access and manipulate data from laboratory systems.

• Experience in managing and developing staff by creating an environment in which staff want to achieve their best.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively in teams across an organisation to deliver shared goals.

• Applicants should demonstrate commitment to cultural diversity and ethical practice principles, and demonstrate knowledge of equal employment opportunity and workplace health and safety, appropriate to the level of the appointment.

Skills required

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

• Capacity for carrying out duties under minimal supervision

• Ability to prepare written reports and oral presentations

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with other team members

• Excellent organisational and time management skills

ABOUT GARVAN

The 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.