Xylo Bio Chemistry Lab Assistant
Xylo Bio is on a mission to transform lives with targeted neurotherapeutics. We are seeking a casual Research Assistant (Industry Placement), to give a current chemistry student (Honours, Masters, or PhD) direct experience in drug discovery in a startup setting. Working alongside the medicinal chemistry and operations team, the placement student supports day-to-day laboratory operations, quality control of synthesised compounds, and the preparation and dispatch of compounds to academic and contract research organisation (CRO) collaborators. Beyond bench skills, the role offers structured exposure to the practices that distinguish industry research from academic research: contemporaneous record-keeping, compound registration and batch traceability, analytical release criteria, and the coordination required to move a compound from synthesis to an external collaborator’s assay.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised laboratory: routine housekeeping and bench turnover, glassware cleaning and consumables restocking, solvent and reagent stock rotation, and the segregation and disposal of chemical waste in line with institutional and regulatory requirements.
Assist with quality control of synthesised compounds, including quantitative NMR (qNMR) and HPLC purity analysis; prepare samples and reference standards, acquire and process data under the direction of the supervising chemist.
Prepare and dispatch compounds to academic and CRO collaborators: accurate weighing and labelling, and maintain compound and batch records in the company’s chemical registration database.
Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned to support various technical and business functions.
ABOUT YOU:
Education:
Currently enrolled in an Honours, Masters, or PhD program in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical science, or a closely related discipline, with the placement approved by the host institution where a formal industry placement agreement is required.
Completion of undergraduate practical chemistry coursework, including hands-on experience with standard synthetic and analytical laboratory techniques.
Experience:
Working understanding of chemical safety practice, including SDS review, risk assessment, correct selection and use of PPE, and chemical waste handling.
Prior laboratory experience in a university teaching or research setting; exposure to NMR and HPLC data acquisition, processing, and interpretation is advantageous but not essential.
No prior industry experience is required; providing that experience is the purpose of the placement.
Skills & Competencies:
Careful, methodical, and detail-oriented, with the discipline to follow written procedures exactly and to record work accurately at the time it is performed.
Reliable and self-directed within a clearly defined scope; comfortable asking questions early and escalating problems rather than working around them.
Clear written and verbal communication, and the consideration required to work in a shared laboratory and to correspond with external collaborators.
A strong interest in drug discovery, and curiosity about how early-stage research translates into a clinical development program.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Casual engagement, around 10 hours per week. Shifts are arranged with your supervising chemist to fit around your studies, ideally two afternoons per week with flexibility offered week to week.
For the duration of the agreed placement period, with the end date confirmed at commencement.
On-site, laboratory-based role at the Xylo Bio lab and office at UNSW; remote work is not available for this position.
Satisfactory completion of site induction and chemical safety training is required before unsupervised bench work.
Involves standing for extended periods, handling of chemicals and solvents, use of personal protective equipment at all times in the laboratory, and occasional lifting of consumables and solvent containers.
No travel required beyond occasional local courier drop-off or collection.