Academic Specialist in Protein Production Full-time NEW

Academic Specialist in Protein Production

Drive structural genomics research outcomes.

Apply now to lead high-impact protein production workflows and help enable world-class structural genomics discoveries.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity You will lead high-throughput protein expression and purification workflows that underpin a major structural genomics program, collaborating with interdisciplinary partners and supporting the development of cutting-edge methods for structural and functional studies.

You will also contribute to training scientists and advancing experimental capability within the team.

This two-year fixed-term role provides access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and national research networks.

What you will deliver:

• Lead design, optimisation and execution of recombinant protein expression and purification pipelines for diverse structural genomics targets.
• Establish robust high-throughput protein production and quality control workflows, improving yield, stability and reproducibility across target portfolios.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to prioritise targets, troubleshoot challenges and deliver fit-for-purpose protein samples.
• Provide specialised training, supervision and mentoring in protein production techniques for students, researchers and technical staff.
• Contribute to laboratory management, reporting, grant applications and broader School activities, including outreach and engagement events.

You may be a great fit if you :

• Hold a PhD in Biochemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate a strong track record in recombinant protein expression, purification and characterisation, evidenced by high-quality publications.
• Develop and optimise protein production workflows, including high-throughput pipelines and rigorous quality control processes.
• Build productive collaborations with researchers, industry partners and facilities, both nationally and internationally.
• Secure or contribute to external research funding, and manage multiple projects to successful, timely outcomes.
• Supervise and train students or staff in laboratory settings, developing clear protocols, SOPs and training materials.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – The School of Chemistry The School of Chemistry at The University of Melbourne is one of the largest and oldest in Australia with a distinguished history in teaching and research. The first lectures in chemistry in The University of Melbourne were given in 1856, only three years after the University was founded. Since then, the school has grown and developed and there are presently over 2500 undergraduates enrolled in Chemistry subjects, with more than 150 BSc (Hons), MSc and PhD research students. It has an excellent international reputation in research and an outstanding record of achievement in attracting external research funding. Research in the School of Chemistry covers a wide spectrum from the design, synthesis, and properties of new materials through to protein structure and chemistry. Many research programs sit at interdisciplinary boundaries with physics, engineering, and biology.

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

• Visit “apply with us” to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Prof. Megan Maher at megan.maher@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that's shaping the future.

Applications close: 4 June 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.