We are seeking a Senior Analytical Chemist to join our Melbourne team. This role is focused on the analytical chemistry, electrochemical biosensing, and reference electrode development required for Proton's implantable potentiometric sensor platform. The Senior Analytical Chemist will lead wet-lab electrochemical work on miniaturised reference electrode approaches, use techniques including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to understand electrode interfaces and failure modes, characterise sensor analytical properties, and translate rigorous experimental data into practical chemistry and design requirements.

Benefits

Task & responsibilities

● Lead development and optimisation of miniaturised reference electrode (RE) approaches for implantable potentiometric sensor assemblies, with emphasis on stability, lifetime, reproducibility, and compatibility with Proton's device architecture.

● Design and conduct electrochemical experiments with implantable potentiometric sensors, including experimental plans, measurement methods, controls, and acceptance criteria for analytical performance.

● Use EIS and complementary electroanalytical methods to assess electrode interfaces, interfacial behaviour, material/reagent effects, degradation mechanisms, and performance sensitivities.

● Characterise sensor analytical properties, including response behaviour, sensitivity, selectivity, stability, drift, interference, reproducibility, and operational lifetime.

● Apply analytical chemistry, electrochemical biosensing, and electrode-interface expertise to improve sensor chemistry, materials selection, surface functionalisation, and wet-lab measurement protocols.

● Develop and refine laboratory methods, sample preparation workflows, and electrochemical measurement protocols that produce reliable and repeatable analytical data.

● Generate, analyse, and report experimental data with scientific rigour, including experimental records, results summaries, technical reports, recommendations, and clear handover to other team members.

● Collaborate with colleagues across chemistry, materials, manufacturing, engineering, and product development to identify critical sensor features and design requirements.

● Support reproducible build procedures and scale-up readiness by identifying material, reagent, process, and handling sensitivities that affect analytical performance.

Qualification & experience

● MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

● Relevant experience in analytical chemistry, electrochemical biosensing, sensor development, electrochemical testing, or laboratory-based research and development.

● Practical experience with electrochemical techniques, including EIS, potentiometric measurements, voltammetric or amperometric methods, and interpretation of electrode-interface behaviour.

● Experience designing or characterising electrochemical or bioanalytical sensors, including reference electrode systems, electrode interfaces, surface chemistry, functionalisation, or recognition strategies.

● Familiarity with point-of-care, wearable, implantable, or clinically oriented diagnostic technologies is beneficial.

● Experience with biosensing modalities such as aptamer-based, DNA-based, or immunosensing platforms is beneficial.

● Ability to analyse experimental datasets and translate findings into scientific conclusions, performance targets, and practical chemistry or design recommendations.

● Strong scientific documentation habits, including experimental records, test reports, data summaries, and communication of technical findings to multidisciplinary teams.

● Demonstrated ability to approach technical problems systematically and creatively in a fast-moving research and development environment.

● Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to work autonomously and flexibly within a dynamic startup environment.