WEHI's Caples nets top Vic biotech job

Former head of business development at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Dr Amanda Caples has been appointed Victorian Biotechnology Director.

Caples, who joined WEHI almost 18 months ago, will commence the newly created position within the Victorian Government's Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development in July.

The role, which reports to executive director of the department's science, technology and innovation division Jane Niall, is described as spearheading Victoria's biotechnology industry strategy.

According to the job description, Caples will be expected to "contribute to the organisation's goal to stimulate the building of skills, knowledge and capabilities in science, technology and innovation as a foundation for Victoria's economic, social and environmental future".

Appointed after a two-month search, she will be required to develop industry policy, identify infrastructure requirements, attract investment and promote commercialisation.

Caples and her new boss Niall are both at Bio 2002 in Toronto and were unavailable for comment today.

Her position at WEHI was advertised at the weekend, with a spokesman for the institute saying there were no front-runners for the role.

The senior management role involves the evaluation and protection of intellectual property emerging from the WEHI, identifying and developing commercial opportunities and sourcing public funding.