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"Be the catalyst that drives real change for our planet."


Samsara Eco has one clear mission: to repair our planet through infinite plastic recycling. Yes, it’s a mighty mission but it’s something every single one of us here at Samsara Eco is determined to achieve. And it’s what motivates us to dedicate our time and energy to every single day.


Our technology is like our team. One of a kind. And we know that, so while we are creating technology to repair our planet, we’re also building a great place to grow careers. A place where everyone can do the best work of their life, making meaningful impact on our planet and ourselves.


Who we are…

We’re a climate tech innovator repairing our planet through infinite recycling. We’re taking the 10 billion tonnes of plastics and textiles wasting away in landfill and our environment, and recycling it, infinitely to create a truly circular loop for packaging, clothing, airbags and everything in between.


It means brands can make the products we all know and love without the environmental damage. Because by using what we already have, we can end the world’s reliance on dirty fossil fuels to slow climate change and ensure we have a liveable planet for future generations.

  • This role is based in Jerrabomberra, on the border of NSW/ACT approx. 30 mins from Canberra CBD
  • Relocation may be available for the right candidate


Role Purpose...

As a Senior Protein Engineer, you will research, develop, and scale protein-based technologies for Samsara’s infinite recycling process, as well as new innovations.


With a hands-on approach, the role requires deep expertise in protein engineering, including demonstrated experience in applying protein engineering methods to develop proteins with improved function, assay development, characterisation of protein activity, stability and kinetics, and protein expression and purification.


You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—including our computational/AI protein design, bioproduction, chemistry, and engineering teams to advance protein candidates from concept through to scalable processes.


This is a critical role in translating scientific excellence and innovation to real-world, commercial applications.


Protein Engineering & Experimental Work

  • Contribute to the design and engineering of proteins with enhanced activity, stability, solubility, or novel functions.
  • Optimise workflows for protein expression and purification.
  • Develop and optimise workflows for protein characterisation.
  • Conduct detailed biochemical and biophysical characterization of engineered proteins.
  • Support tech transfer and scalability assessments for production processes.

Research & Development

  • Research and stay current with advancements in protein families of interest.
  • Research and stay current with advancements in deep learning for protein design.
  • Develop, refine, and innovate experimental and in silico methods tailored for protein engineering.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver improved protein variants for industrial applications.
  • Research and stay current with industrial biotechnology applications beyond plastic recycling, providing technical and strategic input to our R&D pipeline.

Computational Protein Design

  • Collaborate with our computational protein design team on the application of both AI-driven and traditional (e.g., physics-based, statistical, evolutionary) protein design methodologies.
  • Leverage structural and sequence data to inform design strategies and experimental prioritisation.

Model Implementation & Evaluation

  • Support the design and implementation of deep learning models to engineering new proteins.
  • Monitor model performance using experimental validation data; incorporate findings to guide iterative model and design improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work within the machine learning team to drive model development and applications aligned with strategic R&D goals.
  • Partner closely with the computational/AI protein design team to understand assay outputs, guide data collection, and integrate feedback into computational workflows.
  • Contribute to documentation, internal reports, and intellectual property development.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Act as project lead on assigned initiatives, coordinating timelines, resources, risks, deliverables, and cross-team contributions.
  • Mentor and guide junior scientists and engineers, providing technical expertise, feedback, and career development support.
  • Share knowledge openly through workshops, internal documentation, and day-to-day coaching.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture, encouraging safety, innovation, accountability, and knowledge-sharing across disciplines.
  • Oversee project contributions and resource allocation, ensuring team members are effectively supported and deliverables are met on time.

Documentation, IP & Reporting

  • Maintain high-quality records, protocols, and SOPs.
  • Contribute to reports and patent filings.
  • Lead preparation of project updates and milestone reports, ensuring clarity and alignment with company objectives.
  • Track project progress, manage risks, and escalate issues proactively to senior stakeholders.
  • Communicate results and risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.


About You...

  • PhD or Master’s in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Molecular Biology, or related field.
  • Strong technical expertise in protein characterisation (enzyme kinetics, stability, activity assays).
  • Experience developing and optimising high-throughput screening assays.
  • Experience with applying analytical chemistry (e.g. LC, MS) for protein-based assays and characterisation.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental problems.
  • Strong molecular biology skills (e.g. protein expression, purification).
  • Proficiency in data analysis, statistical analysis and data visualisation.
  • Experience with analytical instruments and method development highly regarded.
  • Proven leadership skills in coaching and team development.
  • Clear and proactive communicator, able to collaborate across diverse technical teams.
  • Culture & Values Alignment: Demonstrate a strong alignment with our mission and values, actively contributing to a purpose-driven, inclusive, and high-integrity culture.
  • Team Leadership: Ability to motivate, guide, and support team members, fostering growth, engagement, and high performance
  • Culture & Values Alignment: Demonstrate a strong alignment with our values and mission, actively contributing to a purpose-driven, inclusive, and high-integrity culture.


Why Work with us...

Purpose-Driven Innovation: Join a team at the forefront of tackling one of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges. Your work will directly contribute to advancing solutions that repair the planet and restore global ecosystems.


Collaboration and Growth: We value diverse perspectives and collective action. At Samsara Eco, you’ll collaborate with brilliant minds across science, technology, and business in an environment that fosters creativity, mutual respect, and continuous learning.


Empowerment and Ownership: We offer a flat, flexible structure where you can take ownership of projects and make meaningful decisions. We trust our team to lead, innovate, and drive change as we scale our solutions globally.


Work-Life Integration: We believe that happy, healthy employees do their best work. That’s why we offer flexible work arrangements, competitive compensation, and benefits that prioritize your well-being and help you maintain balance between your personal and professional life.


A Future-Focused Culture: We encourage agility, innovation, and courage in everything we do. Join a team that values your unique strengths, challenges the status quo, and builds a lasting legacy of positive change.


Equal Opportunity Employer...

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, 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!