Director of Bioprocessing/Bioproduction

Want to help us in our mission to end the plastic pollution crisis? 

Then come join Samsara in tackling one of the planet's biggest problems with big impact!  

Samsara represents the coming together of co-founders, the Australian National University (ANU), one of Australia's largest retailers and Main Sequence Ventures, to address a big planetary problem and build the kind of solution the world has been waiting for. Not only will Samsara’s technology play a key role in solving the world's plastic recycling problems and eliminating the production of plastics from fossil fuels, our commercial potential is compelling. 

We are a jaw droppingly unique company!  Whilst we are an envirotech scale-up creating infinite recycling to end plastic pollution, we are also building an incredible place to work.  We know that to make the magic happen our day to day working lives and rewards for our efforts need to be unique and exciting for the extra effort put in. 

THE ROLE...

The Director of Bioproduction will work closely with the Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of Science Operations to manage and coordinate projects across protein engineering, design, production, and fermentation, while integrating activities across technical, operational, and commercial teams. This role involves leading projects and production programs, including facility design and development with external contract research organizations and partners, with a focus on protein design and large-scale production. Ideal expertise includes protein engineering, strain development, expression in bacteria, yeast, and fungi, large-scale fermentation platforms, and QA/QC in production. The Director will lead multi-disciplinary teams to achieve commercial outcomes, report to leadership and the board, engage with commercial partners and investors, and provide broad scientific and management support, including attending conferences and preparing presentations.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Director will oversee the development and management of protein design in collaboration with AI/design, chemistry, and technical teams. This includes managing protein screening, selection, and production strategies, ensuring their integration into scalable production pipelines. The role will also involve identifying, selecting, and managing external partners who contribute to critical science, facility development, production, and operations, ensuring smooth coordination and success across all facets of the bioproduction process.

RESPONSIBILITIES...

Strategic Leadership and Team Management:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the science and technical teams, ensuring alignment with the company's overall goals and objectives.  

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.  

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Technology, Operations and Commercial 
  

Protein Engineering Expertise: 

• Develop and optimize protein engineering protocols and production methodologies.
• Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to science and technical teams.
• Stay current with advancements and trends in protein engineering to drive innovation.
  

Project Management and Collaboration:

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely milestone delivery and effective resource allocation.
• Represent the bioproduction and R&D teams in cross-functional meetings, presenting data and updates to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Foster collaboration and facilitate effective knowledge-sharing across teams.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Science Operations to develop and implement strategies for projects in Protein Engineering, AI/Design, Fermentation, and Chemistry.
• Utilize Smartsheet to create and maintain detailed project plans, including task assignments, timelines, dependencies, and resource allocation.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Work with the Executive Director to lead and inspire the Science team, promoting a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. 

• Set clear performance expectations, provide feedback, and facilitate professional development opportunities for team members. 

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, encouraging teamwork and effective communication. 
   

Collaboration with Executive Director of Science Operations:

• Work closely with the Executive Director of Science Operations to support their activities, acting as the 2ic when required. 

• Attend conferences, scientific meetings, and other events on behalf of the Executive Director of Science Operations and present scientific findings or organisational updates. 

• Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and other materials as needed. 

Qualifications:

• Higher degree (M.S., Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific discipline, with a specialisation in protein engineering, production or related field. 

• Experience in commercial R&D and project management in an industrial environment. 

• Proven expertise in protein engineering and protein production demonstrated through a strong publication record and/or successful completion of relevant projects. 

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a multidisciplinary team. 

• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail. 

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. 

• Proficiency in collaborating with cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigour. 

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines. 

You are a purpose-driven team player, inspired by the opportunity to make a global impact. You deeply believe in Samsara’s mission and the vital role we will all play in creating the most impactful recycling company.

What you might like about us...

Remuneration - we offer competitive salaries in addition to the option of owning company shares. 

Flexibility - at Samsara, flexible work means that our people are able to achieve work-life harmony. This includes support for how our people maintain health and wellbeing, parent or care for others, study, transition to retirement or pursue personal interests. 

Autonomy - you are trusted to work independently, make sensible decisions, ask better questions, adopt techniques to work smarter and do what you say you will do.  

Flat structure - we don’t entertain bureaucracy at Samsara! Our people are empowered to use their own initiative to solve problems collaboratively. Communication is fast which means quicker decisions and the flexibility to adapt quickly to changes.

Samsara is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Samsara is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard colour, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Does this sound like your dream job? If it does, join our mission and apply now! 

And for more information check out our explainer video here!