| Our Staff |
Dr Peter Isdale AM, Chief Executive Officer
Dr Isdale was appointed Chief Executive Officer of IMBcom Pty Ltd in 2003, following the retirement of the inaugural CEO, Professor Peter Andrews, who is now Queensland's Chief Scientist. He is managing director of IMBcom Pty Ltd, a member of the board of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, a director of ElaCor Pty Ltd, Nephrogenix Pty Ltd, Kalthera Pty Ltd, and a Senior Fellow of the Chaiyong Limthongkul Foundation (Thailand). He is Chairman of the Wetlands and Grasslands Foundation and an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University. Dr Isdale spent 15 years as a marine scientist before being appointed Business Director and senior executive at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. He has had 20 years of directorship on Boards of private, public and ASX-listed companies in Australia, Asia and the Pacific Rim. Dr Isdale was awarded as a Member in the General division of the Order of Australia in 2006 for service to marine science through research and as a contributor to the development and commercialisation of biotechnology. He holds a B.A. with First Class Honours and a PhD in Marine Geomorphology, (1982) from James Cook University of North Queensland.
Dr Chris Price, Vice President Licensing & Start-Ups
Chris comes to IMBcom with over 20 years of experience in the life sciences, including 15 years in senior management positions with biotechnology companies. Mostly recently he was CEO and President of ConjuGon Inc, a privately held company developing a novel anti-microbial technology. Prior to that he was the CEO of Nyxis Neurotherapies in Chicago. He has also held senior-level positions at Monsanto, L.E.K. Consulting, Amoco Technology Company, and Flow Laboratories. He has a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University College of Swansea in the UK and an MBA from The Amos Tuck School of Business Administration, Dartmouth College.
Dr Amanda Smith, Manager, Intellectual Property
Amanda manages the intellectual property and development group, with responsibility for IMBcom’s diverse IP portfolio, identifying and advancing business opportunities arising from IMB research. She fosters close relations between IMB researchers, business and legal professionals to develop appropriate development avenues and attract funds for IP commercialisation. Amanda is a registered Australian patent and trade marks attorney and spent four years working for an intellectual property law firm in Brisbane. Amanda also has experience working in research and development for a large pharmaceutical company (Zeneca Pharmaceuticals) in the United States. A former post-doctoral scientist at the University of Queensland, Amanda has a DPhil in neurophysiology from Oxford University, a BSc (Hons) in pharmacology from Manchester University and a Master of Intellectual Property Law (University of Technology, Sydney).
Kellie Broderick, Manager, Infrastructure & Education Services
Kellie has been with IMBcom since its inception in 1999 and is responsible for the human resources and office management of the organisation. The delivery of a quality program of education to the IMB, a core function of IMBcom, is also Kellie's responsibility. These programs encompass the protection, development and management of IMB’s intellectual property. In addition, her role is to use the IMBcom's industry networks to bring the experience of successful entrepreneurs from the world of bioscience to the educational program. Kellie also has an extensive HR and organisational management background gained both in Australia and overseas - in both the private and public sectors, seven years of which were with the Australian diplomatic service.
Erin Wansbrough, Business Development Manager
Erin joined the team at IMBcom as Business Development Manager in April 2007. Most recently Erin held a senior management position at Genesis Research and Development Corporation Limited as their Business Development Manager. Prior to this she held the role of Business Manager, Biotechnology at Auckland UniServices Limited, the commercialisation office for the University of Auckland. Erin has had extensive commercial experience in the life science and pharmaceutical industries where she has held senior positions at GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca.
Dr Andrew Leech – Intellectual Property Associate
Andrew works in the Intellectual Property team of IMBcom helping to recognise, extend and commercialise the cutting edge research that is produced at the IMB. Andrew works closely with the scientists of the IMB helping to identify discoveries and develop them through to commercialisation, such as by patenting. Andrew has a BSc Hons from UQ, a PhD in Biochemistry from the IMB, and is currently studying for a Masters of Industrial Property from the University of Technology Sydney. He also has several years of postdoctoral research experience from a stint in the USA and has a broad range of experience in genetic and medical research. Most recently he has worked for IP Australia as an Examiner of Patents.
Zachary King, Commercialisation Officer
Zachary assists with the commercialisation, project development and technology transfer of research performed within the IMB. This involves managing commercial intelligence, due diligence and market research and analysis for projects at all stages of the developmental pipeline. Zachary’s duties also include leading and assisting in the structuring and negotiation of deals including licensing agreements, joint venture collaborations and contract research agreements. His role requires close interaction with industry partners, current and potential investors as well as IMB researchers. Zachary has a multi-faceted background with international scientific and commercial experience in the UK, Canada and Australia. He has a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology, a Masters of Technology Management in Biotechnology and is currently completing a Masters of Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management.
Ujjwal Dua, Commercialisation Officer
Ujjwal joins the team in June 2008 and will work closely with the scientists at the IMB as well as the IMBcom team to identify new opportunities arising from research within the Institute. Ujjwal's previous roles were as a Business Development Associate at QIMR and prior to that a Research Assistant at QIMR. He has also worked as a business consultant for a start up Biotech Company (BioChip Innovations) and was with Glaxo SmithKline pharmaceuticals as a Sales Executive for 3 years. Ujjwal also has a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Biotechnology), Executive Diploma in Marketing Management, Master of Biotechnology and is currently enrolled in an MBA course.
Kelly Coomber, Company Accountant
Kelly joined the IMBcom team in June 2008 and manages the financial and taxation activities for IMBcom, its subsidiaries and controlled entities. Kelly joins the company from a professional accounting background having spent several years at a mid-tier accounting firm where she was responsible for a diverse client-base and more recently from her own private consulting business. Kelly is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Management from Griffith University.
Lyn Rosen, Executive Assistant
Lyn is responsible for coordination and organisation of the activities of the Executive, including administrative and secretarial support to the Chief Executive Officer and the VP Licensing and Start-ups of IMBcom. With many years experience in office management and administration as a personal assistant, Lyn has worked in the corporate offices of various national and international organisations throughout Australia. Most recently Lyn acted as PA to the CEO of a large international company in the steel industry.
Noi Inthasan, Intellectual Property and Operations Support
Noi joined IMBcom as the Intellectual Property and Operations Support, assisting the Intellectual Property team. Noi comes from a diverse background with experience in Social Services and Qualifications in Community services (Welfare). Prior to joining IMBcom Noi has had extensive experience in administration and project support through various contract roles in both the Government and the private sector.
Paul Ellender, Marketing & Events Coordinator
Paul joined IMBcom in March 2008 as Marketing & Events Coordinator. Paul functions as the coordinator for all conferences and events held by IMBcom, however his primary role is to develop and direct the marketing strategies undertaken by the organisation. This role includes the development of the marketing plan, production of the IMBcom Annual Report, maintenance of the IMBcom website, management of education events, and coordination of event sponsorship. Paul has 5 years events and marketing experience.
Karen Soxsmith, Systems Support
Karen Soxsmith joined the team in the role of System Support Officer, bringing with her extensive experience in systems, installations, web and database applications. Karen is currently studying Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA); Microsoft Certified Database Administration (MCDBA) and Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE), further developing her skills in system administration.
Simon Wilkins, Commercial Intelligence Analyst
Simon assists the IP and Development group in the identification and development of commercial opportunities arising from IMB research. His work specifically involves assisting in project due diligence and providing quality technology, IP, and market appraisals for the group. This role requires interaction with IMB scientists and outside parties to identify opportunities, and provide substantial background intelligence to specific projects. Simon has over five years sales, marketing and business development experience working in the Research/Biotechnology sector in Switzerland, Germany and the UK. Currently completing his PhD at the IMB in Developmental Genetics, Simon was previously awarded First Class Honours in Physiology (Monash).