It’s been a busy few months since we last connected, with recruitment opportunities at many levels, including an exciting new CEO role.
We also have some fabulous candidates seeking new opportunities that we are profiling. Let us know if you would like a conversation.
In 2019, I wrote a blog on hiring and revisited it this month. Quite a few changes, as hiring never stays the same.
Happy reading!
Cheers
Marilyn Jones
In this edition you might want to check out:
Latest mexec musing
Before You Hit Apply: Read, Think, Connect
Blog by: Marilyn Jones, mexec Director
How changing communication habits are shaping careers and why professional connections still matter
I first wrote this blog in 2019 and thought it was time for a 2026 refresh.
A lot has changed since then.
AI can help write CVs and cover letters. Applications can be submitted in seconds. LinkedIn, Teams, email, and messaging platforms now dominate many professional interactions.
Yet despite these advances, one thing remains remarkably consistent:
Careers are still built on people, relationships, and communication.
Click here to continue reading the full musing on the mexec website.
Check out our previous musings here
Click here to see more of our comprehensive Australian events list
 | Dimerix Dimerix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, with a portfolio of drug candidates for inflammatory diseases, including kidney and respiratory diseases. ✅Fabulous opportunity to join Dimerix Limited as they expand their team. |
 Project Manager, Drug Development Senior Scientist – Analytical Development Potential Upcoming Opportunities: Regulatory and Quality Manager – Part-time/Full-time Melbourne based biotech/medtech company is seeking an experienced manager to assist their Regulatory and Quality functions. Experience in USA, ASIA and additional countries an advantage. Reach out to [email protected] Experienced SCRA & CRA’s – Any State If you are actively looking for a move we would love to hear from you. Reach out to [email protected] to register your interest today. Relationship Builder – MRI Philanthropic focused fundraising for a NFP / Medical Research Institute. You will enjoy building relationships that lead to opportunity for the organisation to achieve new medical breakthroughs. Reach out to [email protected] Diagnostics Applications Specialist / MSL – ANZ You will serve as the scientific voice bridging clinical evidence and real-world practice. This field-based role places you at the forefront of our client’s commercial launch, working closely with healthcare professionals to drive evidence-based adoption of innovative diagnostic technologies. Reach out to [email protected] Do you know about the hidden job market? We fill some of our roles without any advertising! We’ve filled a lot of roles recently with some really great people. To ensure you don’t miss out on your ideal role, create a job alert via our website. |
Candidates Seeking Opportunities
Available Immediately
Could any of these candidates add value to your team? Reach out to us to start a conversation with these exceptional candidates.
Analytical Scientist/Formulation Chemist
An Analytical Scientist with 20 years’ experience in analytical method development, validation, and transfer of pharmaceutical products. Has successfully validated methods to ICH/FDA/EMA standards and worked within a GMP/GLP regulated environment in both pharmaceutical and veterinary sectors.
Also, a formulation chemist with an established track record in end-to-end product development, from concept to successful commercial launch. Skilled in navigating complex regulatory frameworks (TGA, FDA) and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Both are available now, be quick.
Director of Clinical Pharmacology – Drug Development & Regulatory Strategy
Strategic drug development professional with extensive experience integrating clinical development, regulatory strategy, and clinical pharmacology across the pharmaceutical industry, consulting, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Experienced in developing integrated clinical development and regulatory strategies, supporting drug-development programs through health authority interactions, regulatory intelligence, product labelling, and IND, NDA and BLA submissions. Recognised for translating complex scientific evidence into practical development and regulatory strategies, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and supporting evidence-based decision-making across multiple therapeutic areas.
Senior Operations and Commercialisation Executive
25+ years turning complex technology into scalable, regulated products and services, and taking them to market. Background spans diagnostics, medical devices, scientific instrumentation, and defence, with depth in operating-model design, product development, manufacturing establishment, commercial operations, and service delivery.
Chief Medical Officer
Deep expertise across clinical, development, medical affairs, regulatory strategy and operational leadership. Has deep Key opinion leader (KOL) management, Trial design and execution, clinical development planning, FDA, EMA and TGA interactions and in cross functional leadership and company strategy.
mexec Supports Australian Expats Returning to Australia
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.
mexec is representing Executive and Board-level candidates seeking to come to Australia
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
ACAMI’s AI Lunch and Learn Series
Generative design of bacteriophages with genome language models
Research needs a shared standard for AI disclosure
Organized science in the age of AI: Are we asleep at the wheel?
Training of Interest
ACAMI’s AI Lunch and Learn Series
Bite sized modules to improve your AI skills
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
Testimonial:
“Thank you again, Janice, for the very helpful mexec jobstrategy™ workshop. I wanted to share some good news with you. I have been offered a role as a Project Specialist at a CRO! Thank you for your support throughout the job search.”
mexec memberships & partnerships
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 ask the right questions to meet our clients’ and candidates’ needs.
Today we highlight Marilyn’s membership of AusBiotech
Marilyn is a member of AusBiotech and has been associated with the organisation for over 26 years. AusBiotech is the leading Australian industry body representing and advocating for organisations doing business in and with the global life sciences economy.
Marilyn’s associations with AusBiotech include:
- Attending the AGM when the organisation changed from the ABA to became AusBiotech in 2001.
- Organising the first ever careers event for AusBiotech in association with CSIRO in 2001.
- Member of the Biotechnology Blueprint Leadership Forum that developed the Biotechnology Blueprint: A Decadal Strategy for the Australian Biotechnology Industry – 2022
- Industry experts advisory working group for the Cell and Gene Therapy Catalyst – 2024
- Currently on the AusBiotech Workforce Advisory Committee – 2026
 | Marilyn is looking forward to attending the AusBiotech International Conference on the Gold Coast in a few weeks. |
Are you a startup or growing organisation, unsure how to hire effectively?
Our 2-3 hour “How to Hire” sessions are designed for founders, new managers, and HR teams.
Topics include:
Hiring for growth: A recruitment roadmap
What you can and can’t ask in interviews
The impact of AI on hiring
Building your employer brand
Testimonials:
“Very clearly presented, helped me understand how to hire more effectively.”
“I liked hearing from other co-founders about hiring needs, and their anecdotes.”
Please contact Marilyn directly on [email protected] for further information.
Industry News
Short Courses: AI and Technology Innovation
DNA on the Shroud of Turin reveals centuries of hidden history
Your Mouth Could Hold the Secrets to a Longer and Healthier Life
Papers of Interest
Habitual coffee intake shapes the gut microbiome and modifies host physiology and cognition
Sweat Sensor Enables Continuous Noninvasive Measurement of Cholesterol
Once again, child dies in gene-editing trial in China, rekindling debate on transparency and safety
C9orf72 in myeloid cells prevents an inflammatory response to microbial glycogen
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!
Highlight your key skills
List at least five core skills that genuinely reflect your experience, and review them regularly to strengthen your profile and increase connection opportunities.
The Second Annual AI in Health Summit will build on last year’s inaugural event, focusing on how uptake of the technology has advanced across the health system and the future opportunities and risks that will need to be managed.
WHEN:
9 November 2026
WHERE:
The Establishment Ballroom,
George Street, Sydney
Recent Industry Events
“Connecting people for success”
At mexec, we pride ourselves on being specialists in the life sciences, medtech, pharmaceutical and health technology sectors. Attending industry events is the best way to keep up to date with the latest innovations. It also provides an opportunity for us to touch base with our clients and candidates – the perfect networking platform!
AI in Healthcare | ANDHealth Summit
BioShares Summit – Investment Panel
BioShares Summit – Improving Oncology Drugs Through Smarter Drug Delivery
BioShares Summit – the fight against pancreatic cancer
ACMD – Innovations in Allied Health & Neurological Disorders
Monsoon Communications Twilight Investor Briefing
Life Sciences Talent Management Conference
Jumar Masterclass: Navigating the Regulatory Horizon
Life Sciences Queensland Ltd (LSQ) GENE Awards
Marilyn also attended events that included BioMelbourne – The Leadership Multiplier: How Great Leaders Create More Great Leaders, Women on Boards – 20th Anniversary and AICD – her cohorts graduate ceremony.
IP Management and Strategy Services
 | BT Novo has been managing intellectual property for tech organisations for over 25 years. They can give you part-time and flexible help with all internal IP issues – instructing attorneys, searching, FTO opinions, stakeholder communications, insurance and invoicing. Find Ashley M Turner on LinkedIn |
Links of Interest
Free Webinar Series on AI in Pathology
Scientists discover molecular mechanism behind anesthesia-induced unconsciousness
Book – Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts
A common sugar may help cancer cells break free and spread
Podcast: Draw it before you say it
How CMC makes or breaks a biotech
Joint Academic Microbiology Seminars (JAMS)
GEN – Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
Unlock Your Potential with Specialised Training from PTA Academy
Sweetener used in chewing gum and jam linked to strokes and heart attacks
Marilyn’s newsletter of interest:
Marilyn met up with many people over the last few months. Find your picture!
Damian and Marilyn visited WEHI recently to present a session on ‘Careers Beyond Academia’.
More than 45 people attended in person, with a further 90 participants joining online.
Damian shared his transition from PhD to executive at Thermo Fisher, and Marilyn presented an overview of industry career pathways and the skills employers value most.
Thanks to Lauren Smith and Dawson Ling from WEHI for organising on behalf of WEHI’s Postdoctoral Association, Research Assistant Association and WEHI Student Association.
Quick Recipe to Try!
Fluffy Scones
4 cups self-raising flour
300ml cream
300ml milk
Preheat oven to 225°C fan-forced. Line 2 trays with baking paper.
Combine ingredients in a bowl, mixing with a butter knife.
Turn mixture out onto a floured surface, gently knead and pat out until 2.5cm thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the scones and place them on the prepared trays.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until scones are golden.
Serve with jam and whipped cream.
🎄🤶Christmas paraphernalia is already well and truly appearing in the shops!
Hope you have a good run down to the end of the year. Till next time.
With best wishes,
Marilyn Jones & the mexec team
mexec
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