Laboratory Scientist jobs in Melbourne VIC

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced scientist to join the Research Bioassay group, part of the Lead Discovery & Protein Engineering (LDPE) department at CSL’s Melbourne research facility. This group specializes in developing and implementing biochemical and cell-based assays for the screening of potential therapeutic candidates. The successful applicant will report to the Senior Manager of the Research Bioassay group.

In this role, you will support a variety of projects by performing in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays to measure the potency of protein-based therapeutic candidates. You will be responsible for evaluating, developing, and conducting bioassays crucial for selecting therapeutic lead candidates. Additionally, this position may involve conducting in vitro experiments within other groups, such as Antibody Technologies and Protein Engineering and Expression, within the Lead Discovery & Protein Expression department as needed. You will collaborate closely with a small team of research scientists and contribute to a broader, multidisciplinary team across various areas within CSL.

Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term (12 months), Maternity Cover

The Role

• Design and conduct experiments to determine the potency of therapeutic candidates to support the lead candidate selection of protein-based therapeutics through diverse in vitro biochemical or cell-based assays

• Use cellular techniques to engineer and generate stable cell lines, establish and optimise cell based-potency assays

• Conduct experiments to determine off-target binding of therapeutic candidates

• Use biochemical assays and cellular techniques to support activities in the Antibody Technologies and Protein Engineering and Expression groups

• Prepare experimental protocols, scientific reports, and SOPs as required

• Contribute to the organisation and maintenance of laboratory records

• Present scientific data within your department and at team meetings

• Engage with research colleagues locally and globally

  
  

Your skills and experience

• A PhD in a relevant field (cell biology, cellular biochemistry, immunology) (OR) tertiary qualification with 5+ years of experience working with cell culture and assay techniques that support these areas of research

• Experience with in vitro assays for screening of novel drug candidates, e.g. flow cytometry, ELISA, activity assays, cell culture, cell-based assays (reporter, proliferation, viability, and similar)

• Demonstrated expertise in assay development, data interpretation, and statistical analysis, including proficiency with statistical programs (e.g. GraphPad Prism or R)

• Demonstrated excellence in verbal, written, and presentation communication

• Exhibited strong organisational capabilities and a capacity for supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory

• Ability to work independently and as part of a broader team, with flexibility to function in a continuously changing environment and under tight timelines.

  
  

Key Relationships (both internal and external)

• Senior Manager, Research Bioassay

• Senior Director, LDPE

• Function heads within LDPE

• Colleagues within Research Bioassay group, LDPE, CSL Melbourne Research and global research colleagues

• Relevant Program Leaders and Project Managers

Closing date for Applications Wednesday 12th August 2026

Melbourne CBD based