Who will you be working with?

Our client is an Australian biotechnology company developing high-value human and bovine milk proteins through precision fermentation to make infant formula closer to human milk. They are starting with the milk’s most valuable protein and expanding their pipeline to unlock new applications, including functional foods and beverages, dietary supplements, therapeutics, and personal care.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the bioprocess R&D team and contribute to the overarching bioprocess strategy.
• Oversee the successful scale-up and technology transfer of bioprocesses to international CMOs, ensuring robust and reproducible production.
• Develop and communicate a clear strategic vision for the bioprocess teams to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Direct the day-to-day management and organization of the bioprocess R&D team and oversee the expansion of the team to meet future business needs.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to junior research staff.
• Drive bioprocess innovation from strain screening and process optimization at small scale to pilot-scale validation.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for overseas CMOs, coordinating all communication, scheduling, and planning.
• Prepare and present technical data and results to both internal and external stakeholders, including opportunities for intellectual property.
• Collaborate closely with other team leaders and the wider R&D team.
• Undertake domestic and international travel as required to visit partner organisations and CMOs (expect ~30% travel annually).

What do you need?
It is essential that you have:

• A post-graduate degree in microbiology, fermentation, biochemical/chemical engineering, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial biotechnology, with a significant focus on both USP and DSP.
• Extensive experience with successful technology transfer from the lab to commercial production.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in fermentation R&D, including strain screening and process optimization.
• Significant experience managing and collaborating with external partners, particularly overseas CMOs.
• Strong leadership experience with a history of successfully leading bioporcess teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and planning skills.
• Demonstrated desire to make a cross-functional program successful.

It is highly desirable that you have:

• Experience in food technology, food production, and HACCP principles.
• Experience in GMP methodologies.
• High energy, fast-paced, and driven with the ability to multitask and exercise sound judgment to make decisions.

At Fuse, we specialise in recruitment for the scientific and manufacturing industry, and actively source a variety of roles for a broad range of organisations. If you are looking for a new opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!