Senior Research Facility Lead – Cell & Biologics (Clean Room R&D)

• Full time, fixed term until 31 December 2028

• Deliver high-quality senior consultation, advice and planning for a new flagship Core Research Facility in cell therapy and biologics

• Apply your knowledge of cell and biologics manufacturing to build the research community and operating model

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator

The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA) is a world-class initiative that brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to drive innovation in biomedical science. Designed to accelerate discoveries from bench to bedside, the SBA will house state-of-the-art facilities and technologies that support interdisciplinary collaboration and translational research. This role is critical to ensuring the SBA is equipped to deliver on its ambitious vision from day one.

About the SBA Cell and Biologics Manufacturing Clean Rooms

A flagship Core Research Facility within the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator is the new Cell and Biologics Manufacturing clean rooms.

These TGA-licensable clean rooms will be the first of their kind at the University of Sydney. Purpose-built for flexibility, they will support the manufacture of a wide range of cell and non-cell biologics over time. The initial emphasis will be on advanced cell therapies—complementing the state’s viral vector and mRNA facilities. There is already strong interest from researchers working at the cutting edge of biological printing and regenerative medicine.

This new Core Research Facility will be central to building research capacity in line with the fast-growing demand for cellular clean rooms. Its first priority is to support the cell therapy ecosystem at technology readiness levels (TRL) 1–3, through process development and GMP simulation laboratories.

We are now entering the next stage of planning and development, and this role is pivotal in shaping the operating model of the facility—ensuring it is aligned with researcher needs, regulatory frameworks, and the business model for sustainable operation.

About the opportunity

As the Senior Research Facility Lead – Cell & Biologics (Cleanroom R&D) you will play a foundational role in building Sydney’s future of cell and gene therapy research. You will lead the development of the new research facility’s operating model and grow its user community from the ground up.

You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with fundamental and translational researchers, GMP experts, clinicians, and industry partners to design how innovative new therapies can move more rapidly from discovery into production.

Your work will help establish the SBA as a national leader in translational cell and biologics manufacturing.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Engage deeply with researchers across cell therapies, additive manufacturing, biologics and implant technologies to map their needs and opportunities.

• Lead the design of operating models that balance scientific ambition with operational and regulatory realities.

• Drive the development and endorsement of operating models through clear documentation, business cases, and planning processes.

• Build strong partnerships across user communities, national and international peer facilities, and funding bodies such as Therapeutics Innovation Australia.

• Develop and embed business processes that align with Core Research Facility operations and ensure the long-term sustainability of the platform.

• Provide expert advice to researchers on how the clean rooms can support their translational pathways.

• Work collaboratively with the SBA project team to integrate the clean rooms into the broader SBA ecosystem.

About you

• Significant experience working with research communities engaged in translational research and pre-clinical trials in clean room and/or GMP simulation environments.

• Practical knowledge of operational and regulatory frameworks for GMP simulation, pre-clinical trials, or TGA-licensed clean rooms.

• Exceptional relationship management skills, with a track record of guiding and supporting researchers to achieve impact.

• Demonstrated experience working across diverse and complex stakeholder groups, both within universities and with external organisations.

• Proven ability to design business cases and operating plans.

• A flexible, forward-looking approach, able to pivot as rapidly evolving fields create new opportunities and challenges.

• A will and capacity to collaborate with colleagues from other Core Research Facilities at the University of Sydney, the leadership of kindred research facilities at other organisations, and stakeholders at the State and Federal levels—particularly in relation to the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey Recruitment Operations by email to kale.claffey@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 25 May 2026 11:59 PM