Join us in revolutionizing bioprocessing through AI, CFD, and kinetic models for therapeutic protein production.
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.
The School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Bioprocess modelling engineer for a research project to model bioprocess performance using mechanistic models for cell culture and bioreactor performance coupled with the emerging techniques of machine learning and data-driven computational modelling. The project will use computational fluid dynamics for simulation of fluid flow and heat and mass transfer, as well as kinetic models integrated with data driven approaches to build new bioreactor models. The project aims to understand, predict, and optimize bioreactor performance and improve bioreactor control for the production of therapeutic proteins, including via the use of process analytical technologies. It will use experimental validation to provide insights into processing and process scaling to accelerate process development and scale up.
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.
Research Fellow (RF2) - Cell Culture in Pharmaceutical Production 2
Chief Investigator Professor Sally Gras
This position will model bioprocess performance using mechanistic models for cell culture and bioreactor performance coupled with the emerging techniques of machine learning and data-driven computational modelling. The project will use computational fluid dynamics for simulation of fluid flow and heat and mass transfer, as well kinetic models integrated with data driven approaches to build new bioreactor models.
The project aims to understand, predict and optimize bioreactor performance and improve bioreactor control for the production of therapeutic proteins, including via the use of process analytical technologies. It will use experimental validation to provide insights into processing and process scaling to accelerate process development and scale up.
New models will be developed for both fed-batch and continuous processes using existing historical data, as well as new experiments for validation. 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:
1. Independently planning and carrying out research on the research project and working towards completion of the aims of the project.
2. Developing effective timelines and milestones based on goals of the research program.
3. Liaising effectively with collaborators and a variety of internal and external stakeholders to foster collaborative partnerships
4. 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:
5. 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, mathematical process or bioreactor modelling or mammalian cell culture, or biotechnology.
6. A sound understanding of the fundamentals of engineering
7. A high proficiency in mathematics
8. An understanding of bioprocessing and cell culture.
9. A record of high-quality research as evidenced by publications in leading journals and at conferences commensurate with opportunity.
10. Ability to perform independent research with a commitment to interdisciplinary research.
11. 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.
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:
12. Flexible working arrangements, generous personal, parental and cultural leave
13. Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
14. Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
15. Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families
To find out more, visit .
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^ (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
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 .