Join our Team
At PolyActiva, we are focused on providing unique biodegradable implants with sustained drug delivery that improve outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma.
See our open positions below:
Reporting to
Head of Product Development & Technical Affairs
Direct Reports
None
Term
Permanent, full-time
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Product Development & Technical Affairs, you will play a critical role in managing the design, development, testing, and regulatory registration of our medical devices – from early-stage prototypes through to commercial launch.
This is a hands-on role requiring close collaboration with contract manufacturers, regulatory experts, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality devices that meet global standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development of devices and packaging from clinical to commercial stages
- Coordinate external manufacturers and service providers to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
- Design and implement human factors testing for clinical trials
- Develop and maintain regulatory documentation (Design History File, Risk Management Plans, etc.)
- Prepare registration documents for regulatory authorities
- Provide technical input into strategic planning, risk management, and troubleshooting
- Ensure compliance with ISO13485, FDA regulations, and internal quality systems
Key Selection Criteria
- Tertiary qualification in science or engineering (biomedical engineering preferred)
- 5+ years’ experience in medical device development within the biotech or pharmaceutical sector
- Proven track record managing device design, validation, and regulatory compliance
- Strong understanding of medical device manufacturing and regulatory frameworks (Australia and US)
- Hands-on experience with FMEA, CAPA, root cause analysis, and risk management
- Excellent technical writing and project coordination skills
- Inventive and solutions-driven mindset
Desirable
- Experience working with combination products (e.g. injectable devices)
- Familiarity with the commercial registration process of medical devices
Location
Melbourne, Notting Hill
Reporting to
Head of Commercial Operations
Direct Reports
None
Term
Permanent, full-time/part-time, negotiable with candidate
The Role
We are currently seeking an experienced and proactive Office Manager to oversee the smooth running of our office operations and support our broader team. Based in our Notting Hill office, this role is perfect for someone who thrives on variety, organisation, and making things happen behind the scenes.
Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial Operations, you’ll be responsible for a wide range of administrative, financial, and logistical duties that keep our office and team activities running efficiently. This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same.
Key Responsibilities
Managing calendars, travel bookings, and meetings for senior staff.
Coordinating board meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and distributing reports.
Supporting onboarding of new employees and day-to-day HR admin.
Overseeing office operations, systems, supplies, and service providers.
Supporting finance admin, including processing expenses and invoices.
Liaising with IT to ensure seamless tech functionality.
Leading the planning of internal events, training, and team engagement activities.
Key Selection Criteria
5+ years in a similar office management or executive support role.
Confidence using Microsoft Office Suite (especially SharePoint, Teams), Adobe Acrobat, and DocuSign.
Excellent communication and coordination skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and take initiative.
Experience in small office logistics, including IT coordination.
A collaborative, “can-do” attitude and a keen eye for detail.
Desirable
Bookkeeping skills (Xero experience a plus).
Familiarity with Diligent Equity or shareholding platforms.
Knowledge of SharePoint or Teams administration.
Location
Melbourne, Notting Hill
Reporting to
Head of Chemistry, Pipeline Innovation, and IP
Direct Reports
None
Term
Permanent, full-time
The Role
PolyActiva are seeking a highly motivated Synthetic Chemist to join our R&D team and contribute to the design and synthesis of small molecules used in our unique drug-polymer conjugates.
This role offers a rare opportunity to engage in intellectually stimulating, high-impact work alongside experienced scientists in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
As a key member of our chemistry team, you will:
Synthesise and purify novel small organic compounds (mg to multi-gram scale)
Characterise compounds using techniques such as NMR, FTIR, HPLC(MS), and MS
Design cleavable linkers, drug-incorporating monomers, and co-monomers for use in polymer-based pharmaceutical products
Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to technical documentation including reports, SOPs, and scientific publications
Collaborate with R&D, analytical, and manufacturing teams to support the translation of research into products
Support IP development through patent data preparation
Key Selection Criteria
Honours/Master’s degree along with experience, or a PhD, in organic chemistry, medicinal Chemistry or related field.
Proven expertise in small molecule synthesis using modern synthetic techniques, retrosynthetic analysis, and purification methods
Strong analytical and structural elucidation skills and a proficiency with NMR, FTIR, HPLC(MS), and related instrumentation
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Familiarity with scientific software (e.g. ChemDraw, SciFinder, MestReNova, TopSpin or similar) and Microsoft Office suite
Strong attention to detail, agility, initiative, and a collaborative working style
Desirable
Knowledge of polymer synthesis or macromolecular characterisation techniques
Experience with IP generation, patent documentation, or review
Understanding of GMP practices and safety regulations in a lab setting
Location
Melbourne, Richmond
Reporting to
Analytical R&D Team Leader
Direct Reports
None
Term
Permanent, full-time
The Role
PolyActiva is an innovative Melbourne-based biotechnology company developing polymer-based drug delivery solutions for site-specific treatment. We are seeking an experienced Senior Analytical Chemist to join our Analytics team, contributing directly to the development and validation of new analytical methods for our breakthrough pharmaceutical products.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a dynamic R&D environment focused on cutting-edge science with direct impact on human health.
Key Responsibilities
In this technical leadership role, you will:
Lead development and validation of analytical methods tailored to complex polymer-based drug formulations
Provide hands-on expertise in chromatographic techniques (HPLC/GC, UV, MS), dissolution testing, and other analytical methodologies
Collaborate with cross-functional R&D and manufacturing teams to design and interpret experiments
Supervise and mentor junior analysts, helping to plan resources and timelines across projects
Support regulatory submissions and quality system compliance through high-quality documentation
Troubleshoot technical issues and support ongoing laboratory operations, including safety and equipment maintenance
Key Selection Criteria
Degree-qualified in Chemistry or a related discipline; PhD preferred with 2+ years of industry experience (or 5+ years with Bachelors)
Expertise in analytical method development and validation for pharmaceutical products
Extensive experience with chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC, UV, MS) and other methods (e.g. KF, IR, NMR, DSC)
Strong planning, documentation, and data interpretation skills
Experience mentoring team members or leading analytical tasks
Knowledge of regulatory standards for APIs and pharmaceutical products
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desirable
Experience with cGMP environments, dissolution testing, and microbiological methods
Familiarity with Empower or Shimadzu LC systems
Strong statistical analysis skills and understanding of early-stage development requirements
Location
Melbourne, Parkville
Reporting to
Analytical R&D Team Leader
Direct Reports
None
Term
Permanent, full-time
The Role
PolyActiva Pty Ltd is seeking a Graduate or Junior Analytical Chemist to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent science or chemistry graduate with strong foundational lab skills and a passion for pharmaceutical innovation.
In this hands-on role, you’ll support a range of analytical testing activities, from preparing samples to developing and validating analytical methods, under the guidance of experienced chemists. You will contribute to the analysis of materials, data interpretation, method development, and reporting across a range of drug development projects.
Key Responsibilities
Perform routine testing of materials (e.g. drug substances, intermediates, finished products)
Assist in developing and validating analytical methods
Conduct data analysis and prepare technical reports
Maintain and calibrate analytical equipment
Review and prepare SOPs and other quality documentation
Support regulatory submissions and perform literature reviews
Collaborate effectively across the R&D and analytical teams
Key Selection Criteria
Tertiary qualification in Science or Chemistry (recent graduate encouraged to apply)
Experience with HPLC/GC separations (UV, MS and other detectors)
Familiarity with techniques like Karl-Fischer, IR, Raman, NMR, Titration, DSC, TGA
Understanding of analytical method validation
Strong attention to detail and high-quality reporting skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
Good communication and teamwork skills
Commitment to working safely and in line with OSHE guidelines
Desirable
Exposure to cGMP or other regulated lab environments
Experience with drug release/dissolution testing
Familiarity with Empower or Shimadzu LC hardware
Location
Melbourne, Parkville