Deuteration Facility Biochemist

Company description:

Australian Nuclear Science

Job description:

Position Overview

• Ongoing | Full Time | $119K - $134K | + 15.4% super | Salary packaging available
• Lucas Heights, Sutherland Shire | Flexible work practices | Onsite childcare | Fitness Passport
• Free onsite parking | pool, soccer field & café | ANSTO bus service available
• Join a highly specialised team developing innovative deuteration technologies used by researchers across Australia and around the world

The Deuteration Facility Biochemist contributes to the operation and advancement of the National Deuteration Facility by producing, purifying, and characterising stable‑isotope‑labelled molecules using synthetic‑biology and chemical synthesis approaches. The role is also responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of NDF laboratories, ensuring laboratories remain compliant, well‑maintained, and operational. Working across microbial engineering, biosynthetic pathway development, and chemical isotopic‑exchange workflows, the position supports the supply of high‑quality labelled molecules for ANSTO researchers and external users, while contributing to method development, scientific publications, and continuous improvement of NDF capabilities.

"We are seeking a biochemist who combines technical depth with reliability. The ideal candidate is someone who can deliver high‑quality labelled molecules, maintain safe and reliable laboratory operations, and contribute to the ongoing innovation that strengthens NDF's capabilities in Synthetic Biology for labelling of molecules and that keeps NDF at the forefront of NCRIS‑enabled research infrastructure" - Dr Tamim Darwish - Director, National Deuteration Facility

The key accountabilities for this position include:

• Contribute to the establishment of new synthetic biology protocols for microbial production of labelled lipids and other molecules, followed by chemical synthesis manipulation and isolation.
• Develop and screen microbial strains for efficient incorporation of stable isotopes.
• Develop small scale and scaled up expression and purification workflows for supply of labelled molecules
• Purify labelled organic and biomolecules molecules using established chromatographic techniques
• Day-to day responsibility for the running of the bio-deuteration/chem-deuteration laboratories including maintenance, calibration and other quality and safety functions (area supervisor of the laboratory).
• Implement and monitor safety protocols, conduct routine inspections, maintain laboratory documentation, and ensure adherence to quality systems.

Please view the full Position Description or click Apply to view.

ANSTO leverages great science to deliver big outcomes. We partner with scientists and engineers and apply new technologies to provide real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives, builds our industries and protects the environment. ANSTO is the home of Australia's most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from gaining access to state-of-the-art instruments every year.

ANSTO offers training and development, performance-based salary increases and an extensive range of leave provisions to help employees balance work and personal commitments.

• 18 days personal/carers leave for each year of service
• 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Generous parental leave provisions:
  • 18 weeks Parental leave for primary caregiver
  • 14 weeks Parental leave for secondary caregiver (with incremental increase to a maximum of 18 weeks effective 01/03/2027)
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Cultural, Naidoc and First Nations ceremonial leave

If you want to join a world class organisation that's making a difference in the lives of Australians, apply now!

For further technical information relating to this position please refer to the Position Description or contact Tamim Darwish on 0461378***. For all other queries please contact Talent Acquisition on +61 (02) 9717 3***.

To be eligible for appointment, applicants will require a security and pre-employment medical assessment.

Application closing date: 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm

All applicants must be Australian citizens.

In order to solve great challenges, we need great minds and great teams. At ANSTO, we understand that diverse teams produce better outcomes and we value the merit that a diverse perspective can bring to our team. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, primary carers, those with a disability, and women in STEM. ANSTO is a charter member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and is proudly taking action to create a gender-inclusive workforce.