Dare I say, it’s only 35 days till Christmas!
This will be our last memo for the year, and it’s full of the last few month’s events that we have attended and also profiles Marilyn’s new memberships with KCA and PDA. Being connected to the ecosystem is something that we believe sets mexec apart, and these partnerships help us to understand and ask the right questions to meet our clients’ and candidates’ needs.
I am more than ready to head to the beach in January, and I hope that you will also be able to take a break.
As always, please reach out to me directly if you would like to suggest an event or topic for inclusion in this newsletter.
We wish you all a wonderful holiday break and look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Cheers
Marilyn Jones
In this edition you might want to check out:
- Our latest mexec musings from Mark Thomas
- Check out our NEW SECTION on candidates seeking opportunities
- Register for Upcoming events
Guest blog from Mark Thomas
One of the most challenging things I do daily as a recruiter is reject applications and let candidates know they won’t be progressing. As someone who has been through a period of unemployment myself, I understand the frustration and disappointment that comes with being turned down.
First and foremost, one of the primary reasons applicants are rejected is due to the sheer volume of applications received…
Click here to continue reading the full Musing which includes tips on how to turn a rejected application into an opportunity.
mexec is pleased to announce that through our partnership with WEHI, Dr. Joanne Boag has been appointed Centre Director of the Australian Centre for Targeted Therapeutics (ACTT).
The newly announced ACTT will be developing next-generation targeted protein-degrader medicines.
With more than 15 years of experience in the life science sector, Dr Joanne Boag brings the expertise to manage and develop the Centre to help kickstart a new biotech industry for Australia, establishing the nation as a leader in this frontier technology.
The ACTT will help to bridge the critical gap between discovery and translation, a vital investment that will strengthen the nation’s ability to develop innovative drugs against current and future health threats.
Company Profile
Marilyn caught up with the team at Rhinomed recently.
mexec had placed Thilini Kulatunga as their Regulatory and Quality Manager, and it was great to hear the latest on their technology expansion plans.
Rhinomed is a global medical device company that enhances respiration, sleep, diagnosis of upper respiratory disease and nasal drug delivery.
From 6 December 2023, new rules apply when engaging employees on fixed-term contracts.
A fixed-term contract terminates at the end of a specific period. This includes contracts where the employee is employed for a specific period.
The new rules include:
- A requirement for employers to give any employees they’re engaging on a new fixed term contract a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS)
- Limitation on how fixed-term contracts can be used
These limitations relate to:
- The duration of fixed-term contracts (time limitation)
- Renewing a fixed-term contract, including how many times a contract can be renewed (renewal limitations)
- Employing a person on consecutive contracts (consecutive contract limitations)
Director of Clinical Operations Senior Field Clinical Engineer Quality Associate Do you know about the hidden job market? We filled 5 roles in the last few months WITHOUTadvertising! 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. |
mexec is representing Executive and Board expats from the US returning to Australia
Reach out to Marilyn ([email protected]) or Mark ([email protected]) to discuss these experienced candidates for your organisation.
Candidates Seeking Opportunities
Experienced in small biotech and large pharma. Management of external providers, pre-clinical to clinical. Strategy oversight and multiple projects management. US and Australian experienced. Small molecules, antibodies and biologics. Available immediately
Market and product validation, asset analysis and due diligence, client and project management. Interested in roles in Medtech, Digital Health, Biotech, Pharma, Business Development, Project Management, Portfolio Management. Melbourne based. Permanent Resident. Recently relocated expat. Available immediately
Experienced in research, project management and commercialisation across healthcare, startups, not for profit and university sectors. Developed a successful MRFF funding bid. Industry partnerships for commercialisation of a Class III medical device product development. Available immediately
Experienced in life science product development pipeline, including market analysis, due diligence, IP strategy, regulatory, governance and bid management. Seeking roles in Medtech, Digital Health, Biotech, Pharma, Business Development, Project Management, Portfolio Management. Melbourne based. Permanent Resident. Values diversity and inclusion. Available immediately.
| ** NEW SECTION** |
Mark Thomas of mexec – Promoted!
The Latest in AI for our Sector
New Superbug-Killing Antibiotic Discovered Using AI
The State of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s Breakout Year
Tutoring Firm Settles US Agency’s First Bias Lawsuit Involving AI Software
What A Landmark AI Hiring Bias Lawsuit Means for Employers And Candidates
The Role of Generative AI In HR Is Now Becoming Clear
Recruiters Warn Against Overuse of AI Tools Such As ChatGPT To Write Resumes, Cover Letters
Daily Briefing: ChatGPT Use Makes A Mockery Of Grant Applications
ChatGPT Use Shows That The Grant Application System Is Broken
mexec memberships
mexec is proud to partner with organisations across the recruitment, life sciences, 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.
Knowledge commercialisation or technology transfer is a way for research organisations to maximise their impact in the community. This relies on Tech Transfer Professionals (TTPs) to build and foster relationships across research, industry and government. TTPs ensure that new knowledge and technologies create impact for policymakers and businesses, and lead to the development of new products, services and companies, and markets.
Industry News
Australia’s Genome Data Black Hole
Towards A National Jobs And Skills Roadmap
Reproducibility Trial: 246 Biologists Get Different Results From Same Data Sets
Australia’s Draft National Science and Research Priorities
Google Unveils $20M Fund For Academics Worldwide
Economic Impact of the Research & Development Tax Incentive for the Biotech Industry
Promoting Career Services to Boost Australian Business
Eminent Australian to lead one-stop shop clinical trials reform group
WILD Program – Opens applications for new program WILD Board X
Exodus of life scientists from academia reaches historic levels
ITFE – Certificate IV in Leadership & Management
KPMG – Biotech Opportunities for Australia and USA
Fair Work – Direction to take annual leave during shutdown
Fair Work – New Shutdown Rules for awards: Which Awards are Changing
Papers of Interest
BMJ Journals – Global Trends In Science, Death, Burden And Risk Factors Of Early-Onset Cancer from 1990 to 2019
Technology Networks – Organism Found In University Pond Rewrites The Rules Of DNA
Oxford Academic – Equity Illusions
BMJ Journals – SearCh for humourIstic and Extravagant acroNyms and Thoroughly Inappropriate names For Important Clinical trials (SCIENTIFIC): qualitative and quantitative systematic study
Recent Events
BioForum: Bridging the Talent Gap
– Fostering a Skilled Workforce
A very engaged audience at the recent BioMelbourne network event on Fostering a Skilled Workforce.
This wide-ranging discussion highlighted the many facets and considerations in this complex area.
How to solve the problems was discussed, including breaking down the barriers for businesses to hire, how to develop talent, internships and migration.
Thanks to fellow panellists Jarrod Belcher, Andrew Carter, Vanessa Sandford, Rosalie Staggard, David Grayden, & Annabella Newton
ANDHealth Masterclass Program
Another memorable morning for Marilyn to be on the “Diversity in Governance – The What, Why and How” panel at the ANDHealth Masterclass Program alongside stellar speakers Gavin Fox-Smith and Tiruslevi Krishnan.
An excellent initiative by ANDHealth is the Masterclass: ACCELERATE Program designed specifically for companies seeking to commercialise evidence-based digital health products.
A great and engaging audience represented by 21 companies across Australia.
Diversity is so broad and covers many more areas than just men and women, including age, experience, nationality and more.
It’s great to see these companies engaging on this topic early on.
Marilyn met up with some of the lovely WILD women at AusBiotech23
It was fabulous to catch up with many WILD ladies and champions and celebrate the biomedical sector at the AusBiotech conference dinner.
Monash University & Moderna Event: Moderna Story
Sue attended a fascinating and thought-provoking presentation by Kate Jeffrey, VP Immune Therapeutics Discovery at Moderna. Kate outlined Moderna’s history as well as her own career progression that sees her now at Moderna.
Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Mark attended the AACB’s 60th Annual Scientific Conference in Brisbane in October, to learn more about the diagnostic sectors. It was a great turnout with some interesting talks and presentations on current and emerging trends in biochemistry and laboratory medicine.
Mark also caught up with the team from Tecan, who mexec recently helped with placing their Back Office Coordinator and a Sales Specialist.
KCA Conference
From startups to success stories many years ago, the KCA – Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia conference was a fabulous time to learn and connect.
It’s not often I get to all the sessions at a conference however I was pleased to be able to, and also interested to listen to them all. Great to be able to connect with Dr Erin Evans from Life Sciences Queensland Ltd (LSQ) and ARCS Australia new CEO Tim Boyle.
AusBiotech23
Collaboration is one of the keywords that was highlighted to me at the recent AusBiotech conference. Many spoke on the ecosystem here in Australia and the great collaborations that we have. Of course, there are challenges, including discussions around competing with each other and trying to collaborate rather than doubling up between States on infrastructure in particular.
It was a full three days of events and connecting. I wish I had more time to go to all the talks.
Thanks to Lorraine and her team. We wish her all the best in the future.
Boggo Road Innovation Precinct
Marilyn attended the Boggo Road Innovation Precinct Tour whilst at Ausbiotech. Plus, a few animals…
A powerful engine room for health, biomedical and environmental sciences, the precinct is home to world-class talent, translational research, scientific breakthroughs, and premium knowledge institutions. Its reputation for achieving commercial outcomes with public impact precedes itself, with breakthroughs such as the Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine and key precinct partners including the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ecosciences Precinct, Translational Research Institute, Queensland Government, University of Queensland, CSIRO, and Queensland Investment Corporation.
Jumar – Translating Innovation:
Manufacturing Priorities for Biotech Startups
Marilyn attended the recent “Translating Innovation: Manufacturing Priorities for Biotech Startups” as part of Melbourne Connect Innovation Week. The panel presented some fantastic insights, discussing different aspects of product development and manufacturing for biopharma and medtech businesses.
Also fabulous to undertake a tour of this wonderful new Jumar biotech incubator.
Jumar was established by three of Victoria’s most distinguished entities – CSL, WEHI and the University of Melbourne, with backing from innovation investor Breakthrough Victoria and operated by Cicada Innovations.
Their mission is to connect early-stage biotech ventures with the support they need to progress discoveries towards real-world treatments and therapies, build a critical mass of scientists with the knowledge and confidence to run successful biomedical ventures – and the power to influence and impact global health outcomes.
Life Sciences Queensland Breakfast
Marilyn attended the LifeSciences Queensland Industry Networking Breakfast and MOU Signing Ceremony whilst in Brisbane for the AusBiotech conference.
It was great to see Professor Kerrie Wilson as the new Queensland Chief Scientist, and to have Michele Bauer (Deputy Director General Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning), emphasising the government’s substantial and ongoing commitment to the sector.
Seven of the state’s key biomanufacturing organisations have combined forces to form the BMA and boost the sector in Queensland, with the MOU formalising the arrangement and providing a platform for expanding it.
As well as Life Sciences Queensland, the founding members are QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, the Translational Research Institute Australia, The University of Queensland (UQ), Cytiva, Springfield City Group and Thermo Fisher Patheon.
BioMelbourne RNA Platform – The Breadth of Possibilities
Great morning hosted by Biomelbourne network with presentations on the state of RNA based therapeutics. Keep an eye on the use of circular RNAs that are more stable than mRNAs as well as oligonucleotide mRNA targeting drugs that target mRNA in the nucleus and inhibit protein expression. So many new tools in development with exciting treatment opportunities!
GCI – Revolutionising the Future of Biomedical Engineering and Medtech
A great series of presentations showcasing current capabilities in these fields. On the biological front, Assoc Professor Misty Jenkins outlined a precision medicine approach, CAR-T cells, for the treatment of brain cancer.
IMNIS Presentation
Marilyn and Sue were delighted to present the mexec jobstrategy™ program to the 2023 IMNIS cohort of over 120 people. Great engagement from the attendees!
Reach out to book a session with us today!
ANDHealth Digital Health Summit
Marilyn and Sue attended the ANDHealth Digital Health Summit which was a fascinating series of presentations and panels. Discussions considered the life cycle of VC funding and to be ready for an upswing by focusing on the generation of data that indicates ROI and demonstrates the value of what you bring to the market.
Building a more connected healthcare system in Australia to deliver equity of access is a key goal for digital health to enable and was a valuable conversation at the summit
Upcoming events
Is your conference not listed here? mexec aims to be inclusive of conferences and events across the STEM sector in Australia for both academia and industry. Reach out to us if you are not listed, and we are very happy to include your event.
| November | |
 | ARCS Clinical Summit 22 November 2023 Sydney Register Now |
 | AI Symposium 2023 22 November 2023 Sydney Register Now |
 | Inaugural Circular Economy Research Network 2023 22 November 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | BioMelbourne Network: Annual General Meeting 23 November 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Victorian Biomedical Imaging Capability Annual Network Meeting 23 November 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | KCA Software and AI – Copyright and Commercialisation Models 23 November 2023 Sydney Register Now |
 | Adelaide Intermediary Program: APPLAUSE 23 23 November 2023 Adelaide Register Now |
 | Jumar Masterclass: Regulatory Pathways/Strategies for Pharmaceuticals 23 – 27 November 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Gender and STEM Summit 24 November 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | National Innovation Policy Forum 27 November 2023 Canberra Register Now |
 | ACTA – International Clinical Trials Symposium 27 – 29 November 2023 Sydney Register Now |
 | BioMelbourne Network – Women in Leadership Awards Lunch 28 November 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub – Spotlight on 2023 28 November 2023 Perth Register Now |
 | PDA Asia Pacific Regulatory Conference 28 – 29 November 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
| December | |
 | Diversity & Innovation Tech West 4 December 2023 Perth Register Now |
 | West Tech Fest 2023 4 – 8 December 2023 Perth Register Now |
 | Innovation 2 Translation 5 December 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | BioMelbourne Network – Seminar 4: Exploring Value-Based Models in Healthcare 5 December 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | CISCO Live 5 – 8 December 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
 | National Health & Innovation Precincts Summit 6 – 7 December 2023 Sydney Register Now |
 | NSW End-Of-Year Function 2023 – AusBiotech, ARCS & BioNSW 7 December 2023 Sydney Register Now |
 | Life Sciences Queensland: Annual General Meeting and End-of-Year Breakfast 7 December 2023 Brisbane Register Now |
 | Health Translation – Research Translation Essentials Course 11 – 12 December 2023 Sydney Register Now |
 | VIC End-Of-Year Function 2023 – AusBiotech, BioMelbourne Network and ARCS 13 December 2023 Melbourne Register Now |
| 2024 | |
| January | |
 | 42nd Annual J.P.Morgan Healthcare Conference 8 – 11 January 2024 California Register Now |
 | Lorne Proteomics 31 January – 3 February 2024 Lorne Register Now |
| February | |
 | Lorne Proteins 4 – 8 February 2024 Newcastle Register Now |
 | Lorne Cancer 8 – 11 February 2024 Lorne Register Now |
 | Lorne Genome 11 – 13 February 2024 Lorne Register Now |
 | International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 13 – 15 February 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Lorne Infection & Immunity 14 – 16 February 2024 Lorne Register Now |
 | 2nd Annual Australia Biologics Festival 20 February 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Women in Tech Fest 2024 20 – 22 February 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | For Food’s Sake 20 – 23 February 2024 Perth Register Now |
| March | |
 | Pathology Update – Laneways to Discovery 1 – 3 March 2024 Adelaide Register Now |
 | Connect Virtual Care 7 – 8 March 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | PTA Congress 2024 11 – 13 March 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | MCIA ACannabis Conference 12 – 14 March 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Engage Sydney 2024 14 March 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | ProsTIC Preceptorship – Precision Oncology in Practice 14 – 16 March 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | Bio-Europe Spring – Springtime Partnering Event 18 – 20 March 2024 Barcelona Register Now |
 | 33rd Annual Medico Legal Congress 19 – 20 March 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | Australian Governance Summit 20 March 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Science Meets Parliament 20 – 21 March 2024 Canberra Register Now |
| April | |
 | Ca-PRI Conference 17 – 19 April 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
| May | |
 | Bio Korea 2024 8 May 2024 Seoul Register Now |
 | International Society for Extracellular Vesicles Annual Meeting 8 – 12 May 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Asia-Pacific Vaccine and Immunotherapy Congress 14 – 17 May 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | BPD Annual Conference 20 – 21 May 2024 Sydney Register Now |
| June | |
 | BIO International Convention 3 – 6 June 2024 San Diego Register Now |
 | IPBC Global 10 – 12 June 2024 San Francisco Register Now |
 | London Tech Week – Shape the Future: Uniting Global Tech to Drive Sustainable Innovation 10 – 14 June 2024 London Register Now |
| ARCS 2024 12 – 14 June 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | National Dementia Conference 12 – 13 June 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
| Cosmetic Surgery Safety Conference 14 June2024 Melbourne Register Now |
| Health Insurance Summit 24 – 25 June 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
| July | |
| Mental Health Models & Facilities Forum 25 July 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
| Bio Connections Australia 29 July 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
| August | |
 | PSA24 2 – 4 August 2024 Sydney Register Now |
 | International Mass Spectrometry Conference 17 – 23 August 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | National Disability Summit 19 – 20 August 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
| September | |
 | VCCC Alliance Research Conference – Beyond the Breakthroughs 12 – 13 September 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
 | Biomolecular Horizons 2024 22 – 26 September 2024 Melbourne Register Now |
Links of Interest
UBS Global Wealth Report 2023: Exploring The Fall In Global Household Wealth
Use of Horseshoe Crabs’ Blue Blood Puts Pharma Groups Under Scrutiny
Neanderthal DNA Kills Superbugs
Is There A Glass Ceiling For Ethnic Minorities To Enter Leadership Positions?Evidence From A Field Experiment With Over 12,000 Job Applications
Criticism Builds Against Ph.D. Careers Firm Cheeky Scientist
Taking Stock, Or Why A Fruit Salad > Orange
What Is A 409A Valuation?
Employment White Paper Outlines Future Workforce
The Privacy Act Exemption For Small Businesses Will End: 10 Ways Your Business Could Be Affected
Electricity From Thin Air: An Enzyme From Bacteria Can Extract Energy From Hydrogen In The Atmosphere
Attention Plant Killers: New Research Shows Your Plants Could Be Silently Screaming At You
Hilarious Job Interview – Here We Go
‘Integrity issues’ prompt ATO to clarify rules for R&D incentive
A quick tip!
Fresher for LongerPut gladwrap over the stems of your bananas to help them stay |
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
Executive Director
mexec
1300 0 MEXEC
