Welcome to you all, particularly if you are at the #2025ARCS conference in Sydney.
I am sitting here writing this intro as people mill around connecting. Come say hello if I haven’t caught up with you yet. Also off to Boston on Tuesday to BIO and ready to connect internationally there with many of you.
Straight into the newsletter this month with plenty of past events and also upcoming events that mexec and the team have been involved with — plus some exciting updates, including some great new roles across the industry, a new CEO appointment, and much more happening behind the scenes!
Cheers
Marilyn Jones
In this edition you might want to check out:
- Our latest mexec musings
- Recent Board & C-Suite Appointments
- Current Opportunities
- Check out our NEW SECTION on candidates seeking opportunities
Blog by: Janice Woods – mexec jobstrategy™ Manager
As an applicant starting the process of looking for your next role, you may be thinking that you should be looking at using AI to help you write or compose your CV.
Take a quick look on Linkedin, Google or ChatGPT, and search for how to write a CV.
You can be quickly inundated with advice on how to generate a CV, twelve easy steps to tailor your CV to the job description or grade your CV against the job description. The list goes on.
So, what should you do?…
Click here to continue reading the full Musing to learn more about the impacts of using AI to write your CV.
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| Come past and visit Marilyn at #2025ARCS Stand number M12 |
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mexec is proud to have supported Cerulea Clinical Trials in the recruitment of their interim CEO, Adele Hosseini. Dr Adele Hosseini brings deep experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech and clinical research industries to Cerulea from previous roles at ARCS Australia, Bod Science and Sirtex Technologies. mexec is currently undertaking a search for the ongoing permanent CEO for Cerulea Trials – please see the link below in the positions vacant section of our newsletter. | |
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mexec is proud to have supported Starpharma in the recruitment of their Senior Director of Business Development, Amanda Reese, and Dana Piovesan into her role as a Cancer Biology Specialist Marilyn from mexec met with some of the team at Starpharma for a morning tea catch-up. |
Senior Business Development Manager Director, Quality & Regulatory Affairs Vice President, Regulatory Affairs Vice President, Preclinical Development Do you know about the hidden job market? We recently filled a Non-Executive Director role WITHOUT 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. |
Brisbane-based biotech leader with deep expertise in oncology, immunology, and neuroinflammation. Has previously led business intelligence for drug discovery ventures, supporting strategy, funding, and growth. Proven track record bridging science and business to guide ventures from concept to clinical entry. Experienced in board-level strategy, BD, and communications. Now seeking to build or scale innovative, science-backed life sciences ventures. Available to start immediately.
With 25 years of experience, our candidate has supported the growth of emerging, globally focused biopharma companies in Senior Management and C-suite roles. Has led CMC, preclinical, and clinical programs from early development to market, and directed industry and academic collaborations, resulting in patents, publications, and regulatory approvals (US FDA, EMA, TGA). Their expertise includes coordinating cross-functional teams, acquisitions, and licensing deals.
Our candidate has 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. An experienced pharmaceutical, operational, and quality professional with extensive leadership and executive-level experience. Core competencies include leadership, quality, risk, operational, and project management within GMP, GCP, and GLP, under TGA and FDA regulatory requirements. The consulting services provided include GMP/GCP/GLP quality advisory services, SOP writing, system development, and auditing services. Available for full-time, part-time, or consulting opportunities.
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
Deepseek – A Powerful AI Chatbot
Anthropic Economic Index: Insights from Claude 3.7 Sonnet
AI job recruitment tools could ‘enable discrimination’ against marginalised groups, research finds
AI can help us to decode life. And agentic AI is key to getting us there.
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 Australian Clinical Trials Alliance
Whilst in Sydney recently, I had the privilege to attend the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance awards – Clinical Trial of the Year Ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney.
Chair of Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, Prof Christopher Reid, opened the afternoon session, and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) – CEO, Steve Wesselingh, presented the awards.
Key learnings:
✔️Clinical trials are an essential part of the translational pathway.
✔️Investigator-initiated and sponsored trials are also very important.
✔️Registries also play a critical role.
✔️National Medical Health & Research Strategy – public consultation and final strategy by the end of the year.
Industry News
Researchers Identify New Blood Group After 50 Year Mystery
Tech roles surge 55% in digitisation decade
Scientists discover quantum computing in the brain
UQ hosts $238 million regenerative therapies hub
UniSA chosen for $500 million research centre
University of Sydney launches $25 million pre-Seed fund for its home-grown startups
Biotech Hangout – A weekly discussion of all things biotech
Is the list of Highly Cited Researchers losing credibility?
You can get your COVID and flu vaccinations at the same time, but what’s best – one arm or two?
Papers of Interest
 | Congratulations to Vanessa Waddell and her team at PolyActiva on securing $40 million in funding. $23M from the NRF and $13M from Brandon Capital. One of our favourite clients, we are so pleased to see that they can build out their team locally, rather than have to move overseas. Please review our roles to find a position for which we are currently recruiting. |
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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!
Choose the right profile picture for LinkedIn
Pick a recent photo where you’re dressed for work, your face fills most of the frame, and you’re smiling – it’s your first impression, so make it count!
This EOFY, 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.
To learn more and view our upcoming workshops, browse our WORKSHOP CALENDAR here.
Fabulous to spend an hour with the new CEO of Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, the always friendly and energetic Jeff Malone GAICD.
It’s looking like it’s going to be an amazing building and facility for Melbourne and Australia for the medtech, digital, biotech and broader healthcare sectors.
Recent Events
BioMelbourne Network Connecting Women Lunch
Had a great day with many older and new friends at the BioMelbourne Network women’s lunch at the Sofitel in Melbourne.
Privileged to be a sponsor of an event that has made such a significant impact on my life. The many people I have had the opportunity to sit next to and meet at this event have been integral to my personal development and the success of mexec.
Lovely to share the day with my fabulous team member, Janice Woods.
| TalentX – Recruitment’s Big Day Out TalentX this year from the RCSA Australia and New Zealand was an interesting day connecting and hearing from Recruiters across all industries. |
Women in Leadership Awards
Paul Cross from BioPharmaDispatch and many industry leaders discussed the future of the biotech and pharmaceutical industry at the BioPharmaDispatch conference in Sydney.
Topics included the HTA Review with Elizabeth de Somer, CEO, Medicines Australia. Everyone agrees that Patients should be at the centre.
The diabetes and weight loss conundrum was fascinating, and Felicity MCNeill, Chair of Better Access Australia, gave some very poignant data on government spending.
PBS and MBB $50B government spend /per year.
$1850 – per person per year.
Total federal spending, including acute care $3900 – per person per year.
$9900 – per person per year overall on health state and federal.
Aged care – $6500 per person.
NDIS – $71,000 per person.
BIG DROP when you enter the aged care at 65 years old.
Sue McLeman, the new Chair of Medicines Australia, was questioned on many aspects of her incoming role to picture what success looks like.
Rebekah Cassidy, CEO of AusBiotech, and Kylie Sproston, CEO of Bellberry, delved into the opportunities and vulnerabilities for Australia’s life sciences sector against a backdrop of global uncertainty. Topics included the importance of R&D tax incentives.
Exchange rate makes us comparatively cheaper, and the CTN pathway is really unique around the world.
Register for the BioPharmaDispatch newsletter
| AusBiotech BioCheers and Labtrobe University Marilyn attended the recent AusBiotech BioCheers at Latrobe University. Conversations and the panel included thought leaders at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), the Australian Centre for AI in Medical Innovation (ACAMI), and the Biomedical and Environmental Sensor Technology (BEST) Centre. They discussed their pioneering work and the future of healthcare innovation. |
Day with ANDHealth at the Google Office
In 1998, Google was founded, and I also began my career in Recruitment.
I have personally seen the huge change and development that comes with digital enablement.
I had a fabulous day with ANDHealth recently at the Google office in Sydney.
👏🏻Also, an MOU collaboration signing for AusBiotech and ANDHealth = love collaboration.
Questions and areas addressed included:
✔️How do we use AI safely
👏🏻We are transforming care for patients.
❌Clinicians, though, can find new tech a burden
✔️Interoperability
🙆🏻♀️Women’s health
🧬Genomics
🪖 War stories
🏡Chatham house rules, so won’t give you more insights, but some very honest and open discussions.
Digital Health Festival
The Digital Health Festival is MASSIVE! It’s a big show, and you do need at least 2 days and good sneakers to get around all the stands and talks.
All I can say is AI AI AI AI AI…
AusBiotech AusMedtech Dinner
I had a lovely time at the AusBiotech AusMedtech dinner with some of my fellow attendees. 😊
The highlight of the conference was Geena Dunne, the CEO of the COVA Project, speaking at the dinner. A wonderful NFP making an impact.
Read more about them here
Career Advancement & Leadership Development Speed Dating
I was invited to a Speed Dating with a Twist Event by the HBA Melbourne Chapter.
The topic for the night was ‘Career Advancement and Development’ at Paragon Care. Attendees were divided into six groups, each group was captained by an HBA member, who was responsible for aiding with the rotations and keeping us on time!
I had six 10-minute sessions to engage attendees in a mini “On Steroids” job strategy program session.
A fabulous night connecting with many women across the Melbourne health sector.
Australasian SynBio Challenge Launch Event
I had the privilege of attending the Australasian SynBio Challenge launch event at CoLabs Australia, Notting Hill.
👏What a fabulous new facility!
CoLabs exists to create the conditions for challenge-led innovation to thrive— from school students getting their first taste of science, to early-career researchers navigating the leap into commercialisation.
🧬 It was fabulous to hear from the next generation of entrepreneurial movers and shakers and see them building out companies already at the undergrad level.
👏I love how they all support each other and are building a supportive and entrepreneurial network of their own. What I would not give to be back at university now with the opportunities that are available!
👁️Keep an eye on them as they are the next generation of CEOs and leadership!
Signing Ceremony Launching LSI QIMR Berghofer
I was privileged to be invited to Brisbane to witness the signing of a landmark partnership with Altea Investments to launch a new global accelerator for Singapore-based Life Science Incubator (LSI) at QIMR Berghofer.
Opening in October this year, this dedicated biomedical innovation centre will be the first of its kind in Australia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration between scientists, investors, start-ups, and industry.
Lots of great things are happening in Queensland!
QIMR Berghofer Director Fabienne Mackay and Altea Investments CIO John Ratcliffe made the partnership official at a signing ceremony – launching ‘𝐋𝐒𝐈 𝐐𝐈𝐌𝐑 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐫’.
ARCS Pharmacovigilance Summit
I gained many valuable insights from the ARCS Australia pharmacovigilance summit in Adelaide recently.
❓Did you know that pharmacovigilance was developed in 1961 because of Thalidomide? (40% died in the first year of life)
❓ Why do we have PV ongoing? – Shows the public that we can trust medicines.
✔️ It’s advised to monitor sponsors’ social media and websites for adverse events.
✔️ Audits are really essential, and many points are covered. Even a single email on the sponsor’s website to provide adverse drug reaction (ADR) events is a start.
✔️ Sponsors need to have a documented process for maintaining RSI and product labels. At least 5 years. Reference Safety Information (RSI) is a crucial document used to assess the expectedness of severe adverse reactions (SARs).
❌ The failure by service providers is not a defence… Have your contract reviewed by legal.
ANDHealth Panel
Packed room with a great panel recently at the ANDHealth, CHICC space.
‘𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥?‘
The panel dove deep into how Aussie health tech ventures can attract international investment and scale globally.
Speakers included:
🎤Gemma Sturt, We Venture Capital
🎤Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi, Proton Intelligence
🎤Aizaz Syed, Tenmile
🎤Makenzie Thomas, MedTech Actuator
Links of Interest
Candidate Fraud: Your complete guide to detecting and safeguarding against fake candidates
How to Get Your Website Featured by ChatGPT and Other AI Search Engines
18 LinkedIn Scams I Fell For (So You Don’t Have To)
How the LinkedIn Algorithm Works
‘Unparalleled’ snake antivenom made from man bitten 200 times
Applying for jobs? Don’t assume an AI bot will write your winning CV
Drones could be used for NHS deliveries under new UK regulations
What to look out for when recruiting specialist directors
WHAT’s In A Name: Drug names explained
Drones deliver urgent blood samples for Guy’s and St Thomas’
Treating depression may extend healthy life in older adults
Somerset detective sacked for pretending to work from home
How often should you turn off your phone and devices?
Quick Tips!
DIY Iceblock Make your own ice pack with a sponge in a zip lock bag!
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Looking for our sector events list?
Our events page has moved!
Check out a longer and more comprehensive range of events on the new events section of our website here.
June already?! Busy year so far and hope you are seeing success.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance with your job search or executive recruitment.
With best wishes,
Marilyn Jones & the mexec team
mexec
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