Molecular Biology Research Associate (Junior or Senior)

About the role

Tensa Bio Pty Ltd, a cutting-edge biotechnology startup, is seeking an energetic Molecular Biology Postdoctoral Research Associate to drive the practical aspects of developing the next-generation of clinical genomics assays. This role requires deep expertise in molecular biology and genomics, and offers a unique opportunity to innovate at the frontier of genomic technology. The successful candidate will advance the company's genomic assay development pipeline and play a foundational role in building the company's technology portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute molecular biology experiments to develop next-generation genomics and epigenetic assays.

• Set up and troubleshoot enzymatic reactions, buffer systems, and high throughput sequencing library preparation workflows.

• Extend established protocols for epigenetic assays to novel applications.

• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, analyze data, and present findings to the team.

• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines to integrate molecular biology workflows into broader research programs.

• Contribute to writing protocols, reports, manuscripts, and patents.

• Support the establishment of laboratory best practices in a startup environment.

Additional key responsibilities - Senior level

• Independently carry out advanced experimental design, draft written experimental protocols, interpret results, and produce written summary reports.

• Generate detailed written experimental protocols for use by junior staff members.

• Produce written summary reports and interpretation of experiments carried out by junior staff members.

About you

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or a related discipline. Applicants with a submitted thesis under review or who can demonstrate equivalent work experience will be considered.

• Strong expertise in core molecular biology methods, including enzymatic reaction setup and optimization, buffer preparation and modification, PCR/qPCR design, execution, and troubleshooting, and library preparation and QC for high throughput sequencing assays.

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments independently.

• Solid track record of productivity, as evidenced by publications or project outcomes.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to adapt protocols to new challenges.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Willingness to work in a fast-moving, small-team biotech environment.

• Desirable: Experience with spatial profiling assays such as Hi-C.

• Desirable: Isothermal amplification techniques.

• Desirable: Oligonucleotide design for high throughput sequencing assays.

• Desirable: Familiarity with protein purification and protein assays.

• Desirable: Basic data analysis skills (e.g., NGS data handling, R/Python familiarity). 

• Desirable: Previous exposure to industry or startup environments.

About us

Tensa Bio Pty Ltd is a cutting-edge biotechnology startup on a mission to deliver the next generation of clinical genomics assays.

Applications close September 1, 2026.