Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Experimental, The ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub

Job no: 0057781 (2 x positions available)
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full time/Part time; Fixed-term for up to three years, with possible extension
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Department/School: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Salary: Level A – $77,171 - $104,717 p.a. (PhD entry Level A.6 - $97,558 p.a.) plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

The School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering encompasses both the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This fusion of engineering disciplines provides a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment that is world leading in both research and teaching.

To find out more, please see

https://eng.unimelb.edu.au/about/departments/school-of-chemical-and-biomedical-engineering

About the Role

The ARC Hub for Digital Bioprocess Development is part of the Industrial Transformation Research Hub grant scheme (ITRH Scheme) and aims to assist the Biopharma industry by increasing digital innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Hub will engage an interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and computing specialists to develop digitally integrated advanced manufacturing processes and a platform for industry adoption. The program will address key bioprocessing research challenges and develop new process and digital models that can predict and optimise manufacturing processes, resulting in greater yields, faster and more flexible processes and enhanced product stability. The Hub will transform biopharmaceutical manufacturing and unlock growth opportunities to forge an internationally competitive Australian Biopharma sector.

The ARC Hub for Digital Bioprocess Development is a collaborative program of significant scope and scale. It will draw together expertise from The University of Melbourne, University of Technology Sydney and RMIT University, together with CSL Innovation, Patheon and Pall and three leading international universities, forming a substantial team. The Hub will have the critical mass of researchers and expertise needed to address key biopharma research challenges, contributing to industry outcomes and positioning Australian Biopharma manufacturing to benefit from Industry 4.0

The program will include multiple positions as follows:

Research Fellow (RF1 Experimental/ modelling) - Cell Culture in Pharmaceutical Production 1

Chief Investigator Associate Professor Greg Martin

This position will study mammalian cell culture production systems for recombinant protein production. It will review the relevant literature on advanced mathematical models to describe recombinant cell cultures including mechanistic, data driven and hybrid approaches. It will perform experiments to examine the effect of cell culture conditions on cell growth and protein productivity and quality using techniques such as LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC. Combining these two elements will enable appropriate mathematical models to be selected and developed. These studies will establish methodologies to link experimental data, process models and growth & productivity and will be applied by industry for process optimization.

Research Fellow (RF2 Experimental) - Cell Culture in Pharmaceutical Production 2

Chief Investigator Professor Sally Gras

This position will examine fed-batch and continuous processing and assess new methods to optimise the productivity of recombinant protein production. The impact of process parameters on cell culture kinetics will be examined using experiments and through analysis of existing data and new mathematical models developed to describe cell growth as a function of time and across scales. The potential of real-time analytics and predictive modelling to improve process control and cell growth will be examined. The insights obtained will be used to develop an innovative approach to real-time platform control.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently planning and carrying out research on the proposed research project and working towards completion of the aims of the project. This will include both experimental and mathematical modelling work.
• Developing effective timelines and milestones based on goals of the research program.
• Liaising effectively with collaborators and a variety of internal and external stakeholders to foster collaborative partnerships and working with teams to achieve joint outputs and outcomes. 
• Prepare and publish research outcomes in conferences and journals and other scholarly outputs to a high academic standard in accordance with the research expectations of the University of Melbourne

About You

You will be able to demonstrate a capacity to communicate research concepts to technical and non-technical audiences. You will show excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders (academic, administrative and support staff) in a courteous and effective manner. You will also have the ability to develop, administer and see through to completion appropriately designed research projects with limited supervision.

You will also have:

• A postgraduate research degree at PhD level (or near completion) or Higher Education qualification in a field relevant to the position described above. Specifically, in chemical or biochemical engineering, mammalian cell culture, or biotechnology.
• A sound understanding of fundamentals of biochemical engineering and cellular biology.
• Advanced technical skills relating to cell culture and high proficiency in mathematics, preferably related to models.
• A record of high-quality research as evidenced by publications in leading journals and at conferences commensurate with opportunity.
• Ability to perform independent research with a commitment to interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to work with industry partners to achieve applied outcomes and to work with others across the sector to achieve industry impact and sector transformation.

To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact  us at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au.

Position description: PD_Postdoctoral Fellow DBD Hub CBE.pdf

Advertised: 13 Jan 2023 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 13 Feb 2023 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time