Here’s our latest newsletter – enjoy the read!
Cheers
Marilyn Jones
In this edition you might want to check out:
Blog by: Marilyn Jones, mexec Director
This month, I revisited some of my earlier blogs, and there was one about ‘The Why’ that I thought I would expand on more. It is often what I ask candidates and clients – “Why are you doing it that way or asking that question?”
Also, I have had a number of people recently say to me that they didn’t know that mexec offered a particular service. Hence, this month’s topic is a combination of “Whys?” and “Did you know?” moments about mexec…
Click here to continue reading the full Musing to learn more.
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Come past and visit Marilyn at #2025ARCS Stand number M12 |
See Marilyn at this important discussion on AI and advances in healthcare
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mexec would like to congratulate Sharon Hanegraaf on her success in joining Argenica Therapeutics as their new Vice President, Regulatory Affairs. Sharon is a biotech and pharmaceutical professional that brings 30 years’ experience in international drug development spanning preclinical, clinical, drug development, and product registration. |
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Congratulations to Renée Brown who has joined the team at PolyActiva as their Senior Director of Quality. Renee brings over 20 years’ experience in the Medical Device & Pharmaceuticals industries. Thank you to PolyActiva for partnering with mexec to further build your leadership team.
mexec would like to congratulate Jerome Wielens on his success in joining the team at the WEHI as their new Senior Business Development Manager The WEHI search team partnered with mexec to assist them to source Jerome for this role. Jerome brings strengths in drug design and development, investment, company creation, business development, partnerships, strategy and governance at the executive and board levels. |
ANZ Business Development Manager Senior Embedded Software Engineer Do you know about the hidden job market? We recently filled a C-Suite role – without any advertising! We’ve filled a lot of roles recently with some really great people. To make sure you don’t miss out on your ideal role create a job alert via our website. |
Melbourne-based scientist and research strategist with a background in molecular & cell biology, biotechnology and translational R&D.
Experienced in leading interdisciplinary R&D programs and aligning scientists, engineers and commercial stakeholders around milestone-driven outcomes. Strong record in translational research management, technology due diligence and partnerships that align research with commercial goals.
Open to roles that blend science, strategy and program leadership in biotech, to support ventures progressing from early research through preclinical development toward clinical and commercial readiness.
Expertise areas include:
- Digital Health Consultants
- VP of Drug Discovery
- Head of Global Market Access
- Global Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance
- Senior Director, Global Product lead
Contact mexec at [email protected] to learn more about these candidates.
Reach out to Marilyn [email protected] or Mark [email protected] to discuss these experienced candidates for your organisation
The Latest in AI for our Sector
Think AI can write your job application now? Think again
Profluent’s AI-Designed Gene Editor Glimpses into Generalizable Platform
Million Species Listing: Basecamp Research Unearths Trove of Sequence Data From Novel Species
CRISPR-GPT for agentic automation of gene-editing experiments
AI, Large Language Models and How a Comma Could Actually Kill You
These jobs will thrive – but others may vanish – as AI transforms Australia’s workforce
AI Screening Tools Under Scrutiny: Federal Court Preliminarily Certifies ADEA Collective Action
How AI Assessment Tools Affect Job Candidates’ Behavior
Isomorphic Labs – Solve all disease
Measuring AI Ability to Complete Long Tasks
Are you opportunity ready?
A networking discussion might produce a new opportunity – have your CV ready!
We can help you with this! Reach out to us for a free 15-minute phone consultation with Janice at [email protected] to see if the mexec jobstrategy™ program can help your career progression
mexec memberships
mexec is proud to partner with organisations across the life sciences, medtech, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. We understand the importance of embedding ourselves within these sectors, and these partnerships help us to understand and ask the right questions to meet our clients and candidates needs.
mexec is now a strategic partner with Life Sciences Queensland
Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) is a not-for-profit industry body that serves as the central connector for Queensland’s life sciences ecosystem. LSQ supports innovation and growth across sectors including biotech, medtech, clinical trials, therapeutics, and digital health. It facilitates collaboration between industry, research institutions, and government by hosting networking events, promoting professional development, and sharing funding opportunities. LSQ plays a strategic role in attracting investment, talent, and knowledge to Queensland, with a mission to help the sector “feed, fuel and heal” the world.
Industry News
Target sequence-conditioned design of peptide binders using masked language modeling
Exploring the role of large language models in the scientific method: from hypothesis to discovery
Flow-driven data intensification to accelerate autonomous inorganic materials discovery
Clostridioides difficile should be considered a bacterial priority pathogen
The design, manufacture and LNP formulation of mRNA for research use
Breakthrough in search for HIV cure leaves researchers ‘overwhelmed’
Blood-Based T-Cell Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Interventions for preventing falls in older people in care facilities
Are you following mexec on LinkedIn?
We share frequent updates from the industry, recent and upcoming events, as well as exclusive job opportunities – follow us today so you don’t miss out!
Tips for LinkedIn!
Put more than your job title in your LinkedIn headline
Use the description on your LinkedIn profile to describe your role in more detail than just your job title. Showcase why you do what you do.
Recent Events
‘Lunch & Learn’ Webinar
Last month mexec presented a ‘Lunch & Learn’ webinar hosted by our partner PRAXIS Australia where we had over 120 attendees online.
Featuring Sally Armstrong GAICD, CEO PRAXIS, Marilyn Jones, Director mexec and Janice Woods. Manager mexec jobstrategy™ program.
Are you ready to elevate career and make an impact that stands out?
We discussed:
✅ Create a compelling CV
✅ Supercharge your sector networks
✅ Nail interviews
✅ Find hidden job opportunities
If your organisation would like to talk with us about an online or in person training program then reach out to [email protected] Also see below the special offer from PRAXIS on their training programs.
You can save 25% off all PRAXIS Courses and Workshops. To save, just enter the code MEXEC25 when you enrol with this limited-time offer.
BioMelbourne Network Event
Key takeaways from the recent BioMelbourne Network event:
✦ Trump has put Tariffs on penguins?? 🐧
✦ The World HealthOrganisation recommends which type of flu strains are used to make the vaccines.
✦ Markers that cause pathogenicity are removed.
✦ Adjuvants are important to increase the breadth and immunogenicity of the vaccines.
✦ Cell Culture better – Susceptibility of the vaccines relies on egg manufacture. 🥚
✦ Speed to vaccine manufacture is the critical issue. 100 days is the target globally.
✦ Facilities and people are the most important to enable speed to market. 👯🧑🤝🧑
✦ Supply chain resilience in advance is essential for pandemic responsiveness.
✦Great to know that there are raw materials and stockpiles at CSL. E.g., an adjuvant in stock to manufacture enough.
✦Millions of dollars of materials are written off each year to be pandemic-ready.
✦ Long-term frameworks of government and industry partnerships are essential and are the foundation of our pandemic readiness 👓
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Bionics Institute at Graeme Clark Institute, University Melbourne
Good to catch up with Robert Klupacs, CEO of the Bionics Institute at the Graeme Clark Institute, University of Melbourne
Robert was presenting on some amazing developments in Bionic Technology and the Future of Medicine.
Some of the many key takeaways:
Some of the products being developed could have more impact than a therapeutic.
Treating tinnitus, ears, eyes, the brain, depression, and so much more with devices and bionics.
I was late, but it was great to be able to watch and listen on my phone before I arrived!
Melbourne Protein Group 23rd Student Symposium
I was privileged recently to be a keynote speaker at the Melbourne Protein Group 23rd Student Symposium held at Bio21.
Along with speakers Professor Max Cryle from Monash University and Michał Pasternak Denteric Pty Ltd
I offered perspectives on non-academic scientific careers and some of the many areas of hiring that are impacting us all in the age of AI.
AI & Drug Discovery Event
Lots of gems in discussion around AI & drug discovery.
Software➧ Beware of open source software! Can be in real trouble if they close down and your research/company platform is created on there.
Data➧ Standardising is such an issue. Training sets and how well do they validate to real insights and are not biased?
➧ AI is complementary to medicinal chemistry. It’s not replacing.
➧ AI will decrease the costs of drug development.
BioShares 2025
🍾That’s a WRAP for Bioshares 2025 from Hobart.🎉
👏🏻Thanks again to Mark Pachacz and team for a fabulous couple of days.
Excellent talks and networking opportunities.
👏🏻Stuart Roberts from Pitt Street Research for a fun Peasants dinner and red hat awards. Nicholas Sundich
Great to connect with some of mexec key clients and spend time learning, updating and networking.
The Future of the Clinical Trials Workforce – Priorities and Possibilities Panel Discussion
Marilyn from mexec was invited to be on the Keynote Panel: The Future of the Clinical Trials Workforce: Priorities and Possibilities for ARCS Australia at Macquarie University
Panellists included:
✔️Rania Salama, PhD, MSc, MEd, SFHEA, (Moderator, Macquarie University),
✔️Michelle Marven (Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI)),
✔️Kathleen Irish (NSW Health OHMR)
✔️Dr Qiao Watkins Watkins (BeOne Medicines),
Key discussions centred on the pain points that HAVE to be addressed to ensure an ongoing and progressing clinical research sector in Australia.
Thanks to Tim Boyle and team from ARCS Australia and Macquarie University for organising.
Looking forward to seeing the White Paper.
BioMelbourne Bioforum – Advancing Challenging Biologics
Janice and Sue attended this fascinating Bioforum, which outlined the current status and usage of biologics. We are fortunate in Australia because we have a number of companies with specific expertise in this area, thus enabling clinical trials for a variety of diseases.
While modifying the processes to generate these biologics continues, AI can be incorporated into existing platforms in the hope of getting smarter solutions!
Biotechnology Society University of Queensland
Mark had a great time attending UQ Biotechnology Society‘s event recently.
Flavia Huygens and Paul Lane delivered a great session on the development and commercialisation of Microbio’s diagnostic technology, and detailed how the company has evolved from a research-focused startup into a globally scaling medtech enterprise.
It was a great event, excellent initiative, and I hope to attend similar events again soon!
A 2 Day comprehensive program with final year PhD Students from the University of Melbourne
Marilyn, Janice and Sue from mexec undertook a 2 day comprehensive program working with final year PhD students from the University of Melbourne. MDHS.
Now in its 3rd year the program includes the fabulous Anna McCrossin-Owen – voice and dialect coach. Thank you to Jenny Gunnerson for supporting the Students to ensure that they are pitch-perfect and ready for their future careers.
‘Pitch Perfect’
mexec jobstrategy™ program – Your CV & job search strategy in the age of AI.
Interview training – 1:1 coaching on how to beat the interview bots and secure your next role
Life Science Real Estate Summit
Key take aways from last week’s inaugural FuturePlace Life Sciences Real Estate summit in Sydney.
✦ Environment, socialisation essential
✦ Capital follows people.. not the other way..
✦ Perfection is the enemy of progress.
✦ What does an ecosystem really mean?
✦ Collaboration is key.
✦ Anchor tenants bring in others.
✦ Should we design differently for the future?
✦ Vibrancy of the Life sciences sector in Australia is attracting global and local real-estate agencies.
✦ If incentives runs out the people will run out.
✦ Well located around research universities to attract the talent.
✦ Think of the people first.
✦ Isolation is the enemy of innovation – Not about shiny buildings it’s about solving the needs of the users.
Gene Awards with Life Sciences Queensland
Thoroughly enjoyed the networking in Brisbane with over 200, for the GENE awards with Life Sciences Queensland Ltd (LSQ) at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Recognising some amazing scientist and companies.
Mark Thomas and I sat at the winners table, yet again!
🍾Congratulations to : De Motu Cordis and team.
✔️Thank you to Trent Munro for your ongoing support of the network and Natalie Davis for your amazing expertise in bringing it all together.
Links of Interest
The Retraction Watch Hijacked Journal Checker
Researchers Identified New Blood Group After 50 Year Mystery
Plastic bag bans and fees reduce harmful bag litter on shorelines
2025: The year the Frontier Firm is born
BASE Facility Shares Open Protocol to Democratise mRNA Therapeutics
Water Instead of Diet Drinks Associated with Two-Fold Rate of Diabetes Remission in Women
Enhanced Games to launch in 2026, bucking global anti-doping norms
Top recruiter reveals how older job seekers can beat ageism
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Happy 50th Birthday & & years with mexec to Clarissa! It has been fabulous to have Clarissa in the team for the past 7 years! |
Quick Tips!
Remove gum from carpet
Freezing gum makes it brittle and easy to break apart. If you have gum stuck to your carpet, put some ice in a ziplock bag and set it on top until the gum freezes and can be broken apart and removed.
Check out our refreshed events page!
Check out a longer and more comprehensive range of events on the new events section of our website here.
Behind the scenes at mexec
Mark gave us a good laugh by using an avatar during a recent Teams meeting.
It’s nearly Christmas! Did you know you can still get hot cross buns at ALDI – they just call them fruit buns?
We are heading into a very busy season of networking and events.
Feel free to say hello and have a chat if you see us at an event.
With best wishes,
Marilyn Jones & the mexec team
mexec
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