Biochemist - Synthetic Biology/Fermentation Specialist

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About HydGene Renewables

HydGene Renewables Pty Ltd is a spin-out company of Macquarie University, incorporated in September 2020. Our primary objective is to lead the green molecule manufacturing industry. We are committed to supporting the decarbonisation of major industries and fostering the development of decentralised, circular economies, as we work towards a net-zero future. Our founding team comprises highly qualified individuals, including Louise Brown (PhD, CEO), Robert Willows (PhD, CSO), Kerstin Petroll (PhD, CTO), and Ante Jerkovic (PhD, CE).

Addressing the Challenges of Fossil Fuel-Derived Hydrogen Production 

Currently, the vast majority of hydrogen production worldwide relies on fossil fuels, with less than 0.03% derived from water electrolysis. Fossil fuel-derived hydrogen contributes approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and a third of these emissions occur during ammonia manufacturing for the agriculture and food industries. Hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in achieving a net-zero economy, encompassing a substantial portion of global electricity generation and serving as an energy source for the transportation industry and other industrial sectors, including green-steel production. However, the shift towards "green" hydrogen production using renewable energy sources like solar and wind faces significant obstacles. The commercial readiness of the required technologies and the lack of affordable and well-established infrastructure for hydrogen storage and transportation present challenges that need to be overcome for widespread adoption.

HydGene’s Approach

HydGene utilises a proprietary biocatalytic platform technology to convert renewable plant-based feedstocks and waste biomass into green molecules, such as hydrogen and ammonia. Traditionally, the production of these high-volume but low-value molecules has been economically impractical using biological methods. By harnessing Synthetic Biology tools, we have developed a groundbreaking, stable, and long-lasting biocatalyst that enables efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of hydrogen. By producing these products only when and where they are needed, we offer our customers a green and cost-effective solution. This approach aligns with the resource-efficient principles of a true circular economy, making biomass-to-green molecule conversion both economically viable and sustainable.

The Role

As a Senior Synthetic Biologist/Fermentation specialist at HydGene, you will be responsible for leading two key projects: (i) the fermentation of engineered strains and (ii) biocatalysis strain improvements to increase the efficiency of hydrogen production. Joining our R&D team, you will report to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and work closely with the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). 

In this role, your primary responsibilities will include analysing and presenting results to internal stakeholders, devising innovative research strategies, optimising workflows for enhanced efficiency, organising and managing data, ensuring effective communication within the team, and establishing quality control protocols. Your contribution will be key role in advancing our R&D capabilities, driving innovation, and supporting the overall growth of the company.

Key tasks include:

(i) Fermentation Project:

• Setting up a parallel fermentation system to increase throughput of testing and optimisation of new strains .

• Developing an optimised fermentation process suitable for industrial-scale fermentation.

• Supporting fermentation optimisation through various approaches, including:

- Conducting media analysis using HPLC and/or GC-MS techniques.

- Performing proteomic analysis on fermented strains.

- Evaluating hydrogen production efficiency using our in-house analytical tools.

- Establishing fermentation quality control protocols to ensure the delivery of consistent and high-quality results.

(ii) Biocatalysis Project:

• Conducting proteomic analysis on fermented strains to identify key metabolic pathways and rate-limiting enzymes in hydrogenproduction.

• Optimising the concentration of key enzymes in production pathways using standard molecular biology practices.

• Supporting the Chief Scientific Officer in developing comprehensive metabolic models to enhance the accuracy of strain engineering strategies.

• Collaborating with the Senior Metabolic Engineer to validate key findings and jointly develop new strategies for further advancements in the company.

Location

This role is based in our laboratories at North Parramatta, Sydney, with the possibility of conducting certain research activities at Macquarie University and/or biofoundry facilities through a contracting arrangement.

About You

You are a highly collaborative individual who efficiently utilises time and resources to accomplish tasks. You thrive in an innovative, fast-paced, and rapidly changing environment. You consistently demonstrate a strong sense of integrity and strive for excellence in your work and conduct. You actively support workplace diversity and have a passion for tackling climate-related challenges that bring about significant impacts. Your enthusiasm and dedication to contribute to the company's growth and mission make you stand out.

Essential Skills and Education

• A PhD in synthetic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related field.
• Over 2 years of post-PhD experience in the above field, preferably within industry.
• Expertise in protein chemistry, biocatalysis, molecular biology tools, and/or fermentation.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and develop methods while maintaining best practice information capture and record-keeping practices.
• Experience in managing and supervising junior researchers, promoting excellence within the team, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Strong understanding of Work Health and Safety Policies and relevant legislation, including Safe Laboratory Practices.
• Possess a problem-solving mindset with a proactive and flexible approach to addressing day-to-day operational matters.
• Deep interest in innovation and the development of new intellectual property.
• Excellent understanding of the sensitivity of the company's intellectual property, and a high degree of respect for confidentiality.

Desirable, but not Essential

• Experience working with Escherichia coli.
• Experience in enzyme engineering.
• Working knowledge of proteomic sample preparation and analytics.
• Analytical skills including HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS.
• Experience in big data analysis.
• Experience in project management.

What We Offer

At HydGene, we are passionate about our business and believe in building a strong culture that promotes diversity and empowers our team members to contribute to the company's growth and culture. In addition to a meaningful mission to decarbonise major industries and contribute to a net-zero sustainable future, we provide the following benefits:

• Competitive salary: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.   
• Flexibility: We understand that research in the lab is not confined to 9 am to 5 pm. We offer flexible working hours and a hybrid working style, allowing for efficient work-from-home arrangements.
• Growth: You will have the opportunity to be part of something big as we set out to change the way the planet looks at waste for the sustainable manufacturing of green molecules. We actively encourage and provide opportunities for our employees to grow with the company.
• Employee well-being: We conduct regular internal reviews and feedback sessions to ensure a high level of engagement in our team, proactively identify and address issues early on, and support sustainable company growth.
• Diversity: We strongly believe in the positive impact that diversity brings to our organisation. With three out of our five founders being female, we actively promote and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our aim is to create a workplace where our team members feel valued, respected, and empowered.
• Mission-driven: You will have the opportunity to join us in a significant mission to decarbonise major industries and contribute to a net-zero sustainable future for the planet. We are seeking individuals who are genuinely passionate about this cause.
• ESOP (Employee Share Option Plan): We also offer an Employee Share Option Plan, allowing employees to have a stake in the company's growth and success.

Application closed.