Scientist

Abinitio Pharma; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Abinitio Pharma in Sydney area seeks an R&D Scientist for a 12-month maternity cover to join the Research & Development team. The role focuses on designing and executing laboratory studies, supporting formulation and analytical development, and leading assigned projects.

You will work with clients and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality scientific outcomes, manage multiple projects, and mentor junior scientists while ensuring data integrity and GMP-compliant documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master, or PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology or related.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC.
• Experience designing and interpreting laboratory experiments independently.
• Experience leading scientific projects and managing priorities.
• Strong data analysis and scientific interpretation skills.
• Proven technical writing—reports, protocols and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and execute laboratory experiments to support formulation and analytics.
• Develop and optimise formulations, analytical methods and processes.
• Perform and interpret analytical testing (HPLC/UPLC).
• Lead assigned R&D projects and ensure timelines are met.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols and scientific documentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and coordinate lab activities.

Skills

Experimental design

Project leadership

Data analysis

Technical writing

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

Job description

R&D Scientist

12-Month Maternity Cover

Reports to: R&D Manager or Associate R&D Manager

Location: Lane Cove West 2066

Employment Type: Fixed-term contract (12 months)

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and proactive R&D Scientist to join our Research & Development team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.

This role will be responsible for designing and executing laboratory studies, supporting formulation and analytical development activities, leading assigned projects, and providing scientific guidance to junior team members. The successful candidate will work closely with clients and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality scientific outcomes within agreed timelines.

The position requires a hands‑on scientist with strong problem-solving skills, experience in analytical testing, and the ability to independently manage multiple projects while ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance with company procedures.

Candidates must have valid work rights in Australia.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute laboratory experiments to support formulation, analytical, and product development programs.
• Develop and optimise formulations, analytical methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Perform and interpret analytical testing, including HPLC/UPLC analysis.
• Analyse experimental data and prepare technical reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Lead assigned R&D projects and ensure project activities are completed within agreed timelines.
• Act as a technical point of contact for clients, including participation in project meetings, technical discussions, and presentations.
• Prepare and present scientific updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor and provide scientific guidance to Associate Scientists and junior team members.
• Coordinate laboratory activities, assign tasks where required, and support effective project execution.
• Review data, reports, and technical documentation to ensure scientific quality, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Maintain laboratory records, SOPs, protocols, and regulatory documentation.
• Support technology transfer activities, process scale-up, and preparation for GMP manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams to support project delivery.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve scientific and technical challenges arising during development programs.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with HPLC or UPLC.
• Experience designing, executing, and interpreting laboratory experiments independently.
• Experience leading scientific projects and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong scientific data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Proven technical writing skills, including preparation of reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Experience reviewing experimental data and ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with clients and present scientific information clearly.

Desirable

• Experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Experience in analytical method development and validation.
• Familiarity with GMP, GLP, or regulated laboratory environments.
• Experience supporting technology transfer, scale-up, or manufacturing activities.
• Experience with additional analytical techniques such as LC-MS, GC, dissolution testing, particle sizing, or spectroscopy.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or training junior scientists.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to innovative pharmaceutical R&D and product development programs.
• Client‑facing project leadership experience.
• Exposure to formulation development, analytical sciences, and technology transfer activities.
• Collaborative and multidisciplinary scientific environment.
• Professional development and mentoring opportunities.
• 12-month maternity cover position with broad exposure across research, development, and commercialisation activities.