Director, Protein Engineering & Expression

CSL's R&D organization is accelerating innovation to deliver greater impact for patients. With a project-led structure and a focus on collaboration, we’re building a future-ready team that thrives in dynamic biotech ecosystems. Joining CSL now means being part of an agile team committed to developing therapies that make a meaningful difference worldwide.

Your Opportunity

This role will lead a team and provide high level expertise and leadership capacity in the specialist areas of protein engineering and recombinant protein expression in support of pipeline drug discovery. Requires a strategic vision, scientific expertise with multiple therapeutic protein modalities across Research and Development, proven experience working with and managing external academic and industry partners, and leadership skills to drive innovation and ensure the successful discovery and progression of drug candidates.

Your Responsibilities will include

Leadership and Strategy

Responsible for leadership and development of research employees, fostering innovation and excellence.

Develop and implement a strategic vision for cutting edge protein engineering capabilities that supports CSL’s therapeutic antibody and recombinant protein drug discovery efforts

Research and Development

Provide strategic direction for research projects, ensuring alignment with overall company goals and objectives

gene-of-interest and expression vector optimisation, and small to large-scale recombinant protein generation and characterisation.

Lead projects on protein engineering, optimization,

Develop strategies to overcome technical challenges

Design and optimize therapeutic proteins using rational and computational protein engineering approaches to enhance potency, stability, solubility, and reduce immunogenicity

Serve as the protein engineering lead on cross-functional teams, aligning strategies with discovery and development goals

Ensure the timely progression of projects from concept through to clinical development, adhering to high scientific and regulatory standards

Identify and evaluate emerging trends and technologies to maintain a competitive edge

Support internal research activities and manage external projects, including performing internal wet lab due diligence activities, ensuring necessary resources and expertise

Support research and lifecycle management activities across CSL’s therapeutic areas of interest

Project Management

Optimize project milestones, budgets, and resource allocation

Provides technical reports and advice to senior management

Scientific Oversight

Recognized subject matter expert in job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience

Provide guidance and mentorship to the Protein Engineering and Expression team

Ensure best practices in experimental design, data analysis, and compliance with legislation

Communicate scientific results clearly and concisely to appropriate audiences

Support intellectual property filings with technical descriptions

Collaboration and Networking

Identify and foster partnerships with cross-functional CSL R&D teams academic institutions, industry experts, and collaborators to ensure timely project progression

Represent the organization at scientific conferences and industry meetings.

Innovation and Technology

Drive innovation by integrating novel technologies and approaches.

Stay current with emerging technologies to enhance the drug discovery process and support lifecycle management.

Your skills & Experience

Postgraduate degree (preferably PhD). in Molecular Biology, Protein Biochemistry, and / or extensive experience in relevant industry or academic environment

A minimum of 10 years of experience, with a proven track record of successful research and development projects

Prior experience in a leadership role is essential

Significant experience with generative AI, including hands-on experience using state of the art machine learning tools such as AlphaFold, RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN or similar models

Ability to build and train machine learning models highly regarded

Significant experience in recombinant protein expression and characterisation using state-of-the-art transient and stable expression platforms

Experience with high throughput technologies and automation platforms highly regarded

Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of researchers

Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences

Strong networking skills

Our Benefits

We encourage you to make your well-being a priority. It’s important and so are you. Learn more about how we care at CSL.

About CSL

CSL is a leading global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of life-saving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as vaccines to prevent influenza. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives through innovation. Learn more about CSL.

We want CSL to reflect the world around us

At CSL, Inclusion and Belonging is at the core of our mission and who we are. It fuels our innovation day in and day out. By celebrating our differences and creating a culture of curiosity and empathy, we are able to better understand and connect with our patients and donors, foster strong relationships with our stakeholders, and sustain a diverse workforce that will move our company and industry into the future. Learn more Inclusion and Belonging CSL

Do work that matters at CSL!

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