CRUX BIOLABS - Key Persons
At Crux Biolabs we understand that each study is unique. We take pride in becoming an extension of your team to deliver the best outcome for your studies.
Job Titles:
- Principal Scientist - Immunoassays
Anita has over 25 years of industry experience developing vaccines for both humans and animals alike having worked as a Scientist and Project Team Leader for some of the largest, global pharmaceutical companies. She has a wide range of scientific skills including Microbiology and Protein Chemistry however her enthusiasm for ELISA assay development and validation is what she is most noted for. Anita also brings her Quality expertise to the Crux team having recently held a Senior position in the Quality department at one of Australia's top Phase 1 Clinical Trials Facilities. When Anita isn't working, she's spending quality time with her family of 5 humans and 3 animals.
Job Titles:
- Facilities and Laboratory Operations Manager
Daniel has 6+ years of research experience in molecular and developmental biology, with a focus on stem cell genes during embryonic development. Daniel has substantial experience in cell culture and molecular techniques including genetic manipulation, nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR methods. Daniel brings a unique blend of scientific and business expertise to the company, having previous experience in co-ordinating operational and fiscal workflow at Nuline Engineering. In his role at Crux Biolabs, Daniel manages day-to-day operations of the business whilst independently working alongside the laboratory scientists to deliver quality project outcomes. Daniel is also a travel enthusiast with a love for exploring.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Business Development Manager
Following on from her PhD at Monash University, Devi developed an interest in translational research, spending her post doctoral years working on testing anti-inflammatory therapeutics in both in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation and autoimmune diseases. With 15 years of research experience, Devi is now leading a team at Crux with broad range of immunological skillsets in cellular assays. Devi enjoys foodie travels and wining and dining with family and friends.
After graduating from The University of Melbourne with a degree in Microbiology and Immunology, Ester developed a keen interest in vaccine development and worked with The Burnet Institute understanding immune evasion mechanisms to infectious diseases, and with Pfizer Animal Health on a number of clinical trials for the global development of vaccines. Ester has over 18 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry and academic research, with a broad range of expertise in a wide range of bioanalytical and cellular immunology techniques. She joined Crux from The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in 2022, where she studied correlates of protection against a range of infectious diseases, and most recently lead the development of a novel assay to rapidly screen antibodies that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants. When she's not in the lab Ester can be found hiking, gardening, painting, and learning how to play the guitar.
Job Titles:
- Scientist
- Senior Scientist
Eze is a highly accomplished scientist with extensive experience in immunology research and flow cytometry-based assays. He earned his PhD in immunology and infection from the prestigious University of Edinburgh, where he investigated the role of interferon gamma for dsyerythropoiesis in malaria. Upon completion of his doctoral studies, Eze pursued post-doctoral research at the renowned Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, where he delved into the complexities of the immune system mediated neurological disorder, multiple sclerosis and made notable advancements in the field. As a Senior Scientist at Crux Biolabs, Eze plays a vital role in leading and managing teams, overseeing project execution, and maintaining client relationships. His commitment to excellence has resulted in the successful completion of complex projects. His expertise lies in designing and validating a wide array of flow cytometry-based assays. Outside of his professional endeavors, Ezee volunteers at EMPOWER, a food relief centre in Melbourne that supports the most vulnerable in the community.
Jonathan has over a decade of lab experience in the field of immunology and oncology with a particular interest in development and validation of flow cytometry-based assays and large molecule bioanalytical testing. Following the obtention of his PhD from the University of Bordeaux (France), his postdoctoral positions aimed to better understand inflammatory pathways during infection or cancer progression. With an interest to support drug development, his work in clinical research laboratories focused on PK/PD assay development. When Jonathan is not working, he is enjoying spending time outside.
Originally trained in virology and molecular biology, Kate has over 12 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry and over five years' experience in environmental biology. Kate has a PhD from the University of Melbourne and moved into drug discovery as part of the Regulatory and Quality group at Amrad. She conducted drug target discovery research at Biota, working on a wide range of pathogenic viruses and bacteria, before joining Noxopharm as a pre-clinical director of oncology research for their drug discovery program. Kate brings biology projects into her home life through her explorations into sourdough baking, cheese making and permaculture.
Livleen completed her Bachelors degree (Honours) from La Trobe University and carried forward her research work into PhD while investigating viral proteins involved in apoptosis. She has worked as demonstrator and casual Research Assistant at La Trobe University. Livleen joined Crux Biolabs in 2017 as a casual and has been part of the company since then. She has varied experience in biochemistry, molecular biology and ELISAs. With 6 years of experience in running ELISAs and Luminex, she is currently involved in developing ELISAs and performing PK studies at Crux Biolabs. Away from work Livleen, loves to spend time with family and reading history books.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
Paul started his journey with Crux in May 2022 after 11 years at Deakin University's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. He has a Degree in Exercise Science, which was followed by Honours and a PhD investigating the immunological responses of skeletal muscle to exercise. Following his PhD, Paul continued working within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and the Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, working as a Project Manager, Research fellow and Lab Consultant. He has expertise in a wide range of laboratory techniques, most notably Luminex Assays, Cell Culture, Immunofluorescence, Confocal microscopy and PCR and has published more than 50 papers.
Job Titles:
- Principal Scientist - Analytical Chemistry
Phil has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Tasmania and over 25 years' analytical chemistry experience gained in the pharmaceutical, biotech and research sectors. He specialises in the development and validation of chromatographic methods (HPLC and LCMS) for drug substance and impurity characterisation, formulation assay, stability assessment and small drug analysis in biological matrices. Phil has over 15 years' experience managing analytical facilities and small teams of scientists working in various regulatory settings. He is an avid guitarist and can be found cycling around Melbourne's extensive bike trail network most weekends.
Sasika started her career at clinical pathology laboratories and has over five years of experience in hematology, immunology and molecular biology. After joining the scientific team at Crux Biolabs, her interest and focus have been centered around development and validation of ELISA based assays, immunogenicity assays and overseeing clinical trial projects. She is also passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge with others and as an educator, she takes great pleasure in training and mentoring junior staff members in various techniques. When she is not in the laboratory, Sasika loves to try new recipes and travel with her family and friends.'
Stefan has an extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry, having held several leadership roles at Mayne Pharma before joining Crux Biolabs. In his most recent position, he oversaw various aspects of Australian operations, including pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, domestic sales, marketing, and international partnerships. Additionally, Stefan played a key role in expanding Mayne Pharma's US operations in Raleigh, North Carolina. Throughout his 30-year career, he has gained experience in multiple areas such as strategy, business development, M&A, sales and marketing, HR, and IT. When not at work, Stefan enjoys spending time tending to his garden or working on DIY projects.