Director of Operations – Biotechnology Start-Up (Drug Discovery)

Location: Sydney, NSW (University of New South Wales precinct)
Company: Innovative start-up in molecular drug discovery
Type: Full-time, onsite

Who we are

We are an emerging biotechnology start-up dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapeutic molecules using AI, protein engineering, phage display, and molecular glue discovery platforms. Our multidisciplinary team integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics to accelerate early-stage drug discovery against high-value targets.

We are seeking a Director of Operations to facilitate all aspects of laboratory productivity, increase research coordination, and maintain compliance. This is a hands-on leadership role suitable for someone who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment, is comfortable coding, bridging scientific with intelligent administrative structures, and is motivated by building efficient systems from the ground up to achieve maximum returns.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory & Research Operations

· Design and optimise workflows for nanopore sequencing and bioinformatics pipelines, leveraging AI and advanced coding to achieve high returns with minimal costs.

· Ensure and automate accurate data recording, analysis, and secure storage in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

· Coordinate efficiently biopanning, phage display, and biochemical screening experiments for expediting protein–protein interaction discovery.

· Support day-to-day research activities to achieve on-time delivery of milestones, including planning, executing, and reviewing biochemical and molecular biology experiments and writing/documenting as required.

Leadership & Administration

· Prepare, secure and maintain project documentation with high efficiency, including data archives, meeting records, reports, SOPs, risk assessments, and compliance documents in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

· Mentor and support research staff, technical officers, and interns to ensure operational efficiency and quality standards with smart timetabling.

· Conduct, and automate wherever possible, routine activities such as weekly stand-ups, project review meetings, and performance check-ins.

Procurement, Compliance & WHS

· Establish robust supplier relationships and negotiate pricing, deliveries, and technical support with time efficiency.

· Organise, and automate wherever possible, import/export permits, biosafety compliance (NLRD, OGTR), and waste management protocols.

· Maintain, and automate wherever possible, up-to-date WHS documentation and ensure adherence to PC2 laboratory standards.

· Manage, and automate wherever possible, procurement and inventory of laboratory consumables, reagents, and equipment using institutional systems (e.g. Jaggaer).

About You

You are an organised, proactive outcome-focussed scientific leader with computing/data skills, who enjoys turning complexity into structure that increases time efficiency and productivity by judicious automation and implementation of ML/AI. You’re comfortable switching between bench science, data/information organisation, people management, and compliance administration—and understand what it takes to keep a growing research operation running efficiently and smoothly.

Essential Criteria

· Post-graduate research experience in Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

· A track record of leveraging AI in research and/or administration.

· 2–5+ years’ experience managing laboratory operations in biotech, pharma, or academic research.

· Proven track record in timely project coordination, procurement, and compliance management.

· Strong scientific communication and documentation skills (e.g. reports, SOPs, safety forms, grant application, papers, oral presentations) in English.

· Experience supervising staff and coordinating multi-disciplinary projects.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment.

· Can do whatever it takes to work to deadlines and worries about the solution, not the problems.

· Holds Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, or Permanent Residency.

Desirable

· Experience with phage display, biopanning, molecular biology and/or molecular glue/protein degrader discovery.

· Experience in advanced coding in bioinformatics or data analysis.

· Demonstrated knowledge of data security and compliance.

· Familiarity with Jaggaer procurement system, NLRD submissions and compliance, and maintenance of a PC2 environment.

· Exposure to a fast-paced start-up environment or fast-scaling research organisations.

What We Offer

· A competitive base salary, plus 12% superannuation, flexible hours & an attractive performance-based Employee Share Scheme (ESOP).

· A leadership role in a pioneering drug discovery start-up with the opportunity to shape operational systems and scientific workflows from the ground up.

· Collaborative and innovation-driven environment.

· An intellectually stimulating environment & access to extensive facilities

· Central location close to 24 h public transport.

How to Apply

Apply via LinkedIn or Seek with your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience against the essential and desirable criteria listed above.

Specific Role Enquiries: Dr Peter Karuso at [email protected]

MINIMUM bio is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. At MINIMUM, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our innovation, and our community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace because the more inclusive we are as a company, the better our work will be.