BCAL Diagnostics, is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing a non-invasive blood test to detect specific lipid biomarkers related to breast cancer using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Lion is one of Australia’s leading beverage companies. The purpose of this role is to manage a chemistry laboratory and provide and deliver specialist analytical services (organic and inorganic analytical analysis), problem solving and undertaking research and development to better characterise and provide quality assurance on Lion beer products. As such, I have developed analytical workflows from sample receipt to data analysis on all current protocols. Other key aspects of the role require me to maintain impeccable project management skills, organization of junior staff, CapEx/OpEx management, DMAIC problem solving, risk management and challenging current analytical practices and providing innovative ideas.

BCAL Diagnostics, is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing a non-invasive blood test to detect specific lipid biomarkers related to breast cancer using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

The NPC focuses on identifying novel biomarkers of disease by generating metabolomic/lipidomic signatures in biological fluids using MS platforms. In this role, I was responsible for sample handling and extraction of biological fluids for small molecule and lipid analyses, development of untargeted and targeted LC-MS (and tandem) analytical methodologies, , using mathematical/statistical approaches to solve biological problems (through multivariate and univariate modelling) and, finally, biomarker metabolite identification. While working at the NPC, I simultaneously completed a PhD (in 2021) where my focus was xenobiotic metabolism research using LC-MS/MS based metabolomic techniques. I am also proficient in the R programming language as all data analysis within my thesis was coded in this language.

I was part of the research team which developed screening and quantification chromatography /mass spectrometry (MS) methods for different classes of drugs and was liquid chromatography team leader. In this role I became well versed in important workplace procedures which were compliant to authorities such as NATA, specifically the ISO 17025 standard. This included, chain of custody and traceability requirements, equipment calibrations and recording, management reviews, participation in proficiency studies, method development and validation, and Health and Safety practices within a laboratory setting. I also attained NATA signatory status and was actively involved in Internal and external audits.

Advanced Analytical Australia (AAA) is a commercial laboratory that is recognised by NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) for compliance with principles of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). AAA provides testing in an extensive range of organic and inorganic chemical contaminant for customers in the food, environmental, agrichemical and biopharmaceutical market sectors. This position involves the analysis of trace elements in a variety of matrices using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-OES and ICP-MS), Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAAS) and Gas Chromatography (GC). This includes the sample preparation, data analysis, reporting and liaising with corporate clients about the results obtained.