Research Scientist

We are an ambitious cyanobacterial biologics platform company seeking an outstanding candidate for the role of Research Scientist. As a highly-motivated individual, you will specialise in protein purification and characterisation studies, supporting the design, development, delivery and testing of novel cyanobacterial biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, VLP vaccines, & therapeutic proteins. You will tackle a range of challenges as an integral part of the team, and demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. You will have team work experience, be adaptable, work well collaboratively, and be able to thrive in a start-up environment. Key Responsibilities Develop and optimise robust protein purification processes, initially for preclinical use, including monoclonal antibodies, VLPs, and therapeutic proteins. Support in vitro and preclinical evaluation of biologics, in collaboration with Strain Engineering & Cultivation team & CTO Employ purification techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A/G), ion exchange (IEX), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and tangential flow filtration (TFF). Scale protein production processes to meet the needs of in vivo efficacy, toxicology preclinical studies Characterise purified proteins using analytical tools including SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, and HPLC/UPLC. Work cross-functionally with Bondi’s strain development and upstream production team to support protein quantification and characterisation for research and preclinical timelines. Assist in troubleshooting purification challenges and contribute to the continuous improvement of downstream workflows. Contribute to process documentation to support eventual transfer to GMP manufacturing for future clinical studies. Updating CTO and Executive on status and timelines for biologics & preclinical material preparation Support preclinical material production, in collaboration with preclinical testing collaborators Education & Experience Critical Ph.D. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Immunology, Virology, or related area Experience purifying proteins for in vivo and/or in vitro studies (e.g., efficacy, PK/PD, toxicology), such as antibodies, VLPs, or therapeutic proteins Familiarity with the specific requirements of preclinical protein / mAb / vaccine production Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent documentation and communication skills, experience working in a team environment Advantageous but not essential: Familiarity with mAb and/or virus-like particle assembly and purification challenges. Understanding & experience of antibody biophysical characterisation techniques, such as disulfide bond formation, LC/HC assembly, and glycosylation . Proficiency in operating HPLC and TFF/AKTA chromatography systems ELISA-based testing & in vitro / in vivo therapeutic characterisation VLP, mAb and therapeutic protein expression and/or, delivery studies Conducted preclinical development and/or delivery studies of mAbs, vaccines or therapeutic proteins About the Company Bondi Bio is an Australian biotechnology company developing a novel platform for the biomanufacture and delivery of biologics using bioengineered cyanobacteria. The platform offers a cost-effective and rapidly-scalable solution to produce monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins. Bondi’s food-grade cyanobacteria has the potential for distributed biomanufacturing and point-of-care needle-free delivery. Bondi is working to bring next-generation biologics to market. #J-18808-Ljbffr