Scientist

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

Job summary

Abinitio Pharma is seeking a motivated R&D Scientist to join the Research & Development team on a 12-month maternity cover contract at Lane Cove West. The role involves designing and executing laboratory studies, supporting formulation and analytical development, and leading assigned projects while guiding junior team members.

Candidates must have hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects with data integrity and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology or related field.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC or UPLC.
• Ability to design, execute and interpret lab experiments independently.
• Experience leading scientific projects and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong data analysis, interpretation and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute laboratory experiments to support formulation, analytical, and product development.
• Develop and optimise formulations, analytical methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Perform and interpret analytical testing including HPLC/UPLC.
• Analyse data and prepare technical reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Lead assigned R&D projects and ensure activities are completed on time.
• Coordinate with clients and internal stakeholders in project meetings and discussions.
• Maintain laboratory records and regulatory documentation; support GMP readiness.
• Mentor junior scientists and oversee task assignments.

Skills

HPLC/UPLC

Experiment design

Project leadership

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Stakeholder management

Client communication

Education

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

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)

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

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.