Production Manager - Nanoparticle and Polymer Manufacturing

About Ferronova

Ferronova is a medical technology company headquartered in Adelaide, developing innovative solutions for cancer surgery and imaging. Their core products, FerroTrace® magnetic nanoparticle tracer and FerroMag® magnetometer platform, assist surgeons in precisely locating and excising cancer-affected lymph nodes. As an R&D-focused enterprise, the work environment is highly hands-on with cutting-edge science, allowing new team members to influence the company’s future direction.

Position Overview

The Production Manager will spearhead the scaling, optimization, and advancement of nanoparticle and polymer synthesis manufacturing processes. Reporting directly to the CEO and collaborating closely with R&D and production teams, this role ensures transition from laboratory methods to a regulatory-compliant, consistent, and durable production system focused on clinical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise experiments aimed at scaling and refining nanoparticle and polymer processes.
• Create scalable and dependable manufacturing techniques alongside colleagues and external consultants.
• Identify and resolve performance issues through root-cause investigation.
• Analyze production data and prepare detailed documentation for regulatory submissions, including characterization and manufacturing records.
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Project Working Instructions (PWIs).
• Execute manufacturing tasks following prescribed SOPs and PWIs.
• Ensure GMP laboratory standards including disinfection and environmental monitoring are upheld during production.
• Assist with procurement, installation, and validation of new lab equipment; conduct maintenance, calibration, and verification activities.
• Perform risk assessments to guarantee safe chemical handling, storage, and disposal.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment supporting regular safety inspections.
• Ensure compliance with internal protocols, regulatory requirements, and international quality standards.
• Coordinate with contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and supply chain partners to advance manufacturing towards commercialization.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Practical experience in manufacturing settings, preferably pharmaceutical or medical device sectors.
• Proven hands-on expertise in nanoparticle and polymer synthesis and analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with cGMP and ISO 13485 standards.
• Experience with automation and equipment integration for process control and development.
• Competence in vendor relations and supply chain management.
• Strong knowledge of chemical safety protocols.
• High attention to detail paired with effective problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a tight-knit team.
• Well-developed organizational and time management skills, with focus on delivering results on schedule.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and ChemWatch software.

Additional Information

• Location: On-site in Adelaide, South Australia.
• Department: Research & Development.
• Reporting to: CEO.
• Employment Type: Full-time.
• Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel required; formal dress code when meeting key stakeholders and clients.

Why Join Ferronova?

Be part of a dynamic, ambitious team creating original cancer treatment technologies that could impact global healthcare. This role offers ownership of manufacturing scale-up processes, direct communication with leadership, and the rewarding experience of seeing your efforts move from lab innovation to clinical application.

Ferronova values diversity and inclusivity and invites candidates from all backgrounds to apply.