Laboratory Technician

Role overview

NanoFynd is building advanced deep-tech analytical systems designed for fast and confirmatory chemical detection, with use cases in illicit drug testing and environmental monitoring. This position sits at the core of the company’s lab activity and reports to the Product Development Lead. It is a practical, lab-based role focused on chip preparation, MALDI-MS validation work, quality checks, and the daily laboratory tasks needed to keep the workflow moving.

The role also plays an important part in creating the validated data set needed for regulatory progress, including NATA accreditation, FDA 510(k) submission, and related approvals. You will help ensure that analytical processes, product quality steps, data handling, and documentation are accurate, repeatable, traceable, and ready for audit.

Core responsibilities

• Prepare nanostructured chips and analytical samples according to established methods, including surface coating and functionalisation, while maintaining consistent batch quality.
• Perform MALDI-MS and MS-MS testing, including larger batch runs, and produce high-quality spectra for the company’s compound and spectral database.
• Conduct quality control checks on chips and analytical results against defined standards, and report any deviations or out-of-spec findings.
• Record, label, and manage samples, spectra, and related data so that everything remains traceable, reproducible, and suitable for audits, including coordination with outside testing providers.
• Work within the Quality Management System by following SOPs, completing batch records, and contributing to validation, accreditation, and SOP refinement efforts.
• Maintain a safe and efficient laboratory through calibration, setup, basic maintenance, cleanliness, and adherence to safety and clean-room requirements.
• Partner with teams across R&D, operations, and software/data, and communicate findings clearly to support decisions.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• 1 to 3 years of laboratory experience in an analytical or life sciences setting.
• Practical experience with mass spectrometry, with MALDI-MS preferred and LC-MS exposure considered an advantage.
• Experience working with biological samples or complex chemical samples.
• Exposure to high-throughput analytical work or handling large data sets is strongly preferred.
• Solid laboratory technique and strong sample preparation ability.
• Comfort with analytical instruments and interpretation of spectral data.
• Experience maintaining structured records and documentation.
• Useful knowledge of analytical or spectral library development or use.
• Basic knowledge of immunoassay techniques is desirable.
• High attention to detail and a strong focus on data accuracy.
• Good organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to follow procedures carefully while also spotting opportunities for improvement.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Comfort operating in a fast-moving startup environment.

Work environment

The role is primarily based at NanoFynd’s office and laboratory in Monash Innovation Labs, with regular work also taking place at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication (MCN) for specialised tasks. The work involves handling biological samples and chemical reagents, and strict compliance with safety and quality procedures is required.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is AUD 75,000 to AUD 85,000 per year, plus superannuation, depending on qualifications and experience.

Role impact

This role is more than routine lab execution. It contributes to regulatory-grade datasets and validation evidence that support NanoFynd’s progress toward accreditation and entry into global markets.