Brandon Capital offers short term internships to selected candidates looking to forge a successful career in the life sciences industry; or to researchers and clinicians looking to increase their understanding of research translation and commercialisation.
The internships offer candidates an exclusive learning opportunity with Brandon Capital’s investment team. Supported by the West Australian Government, four positions each year are offered to participants from WA.
Contributing to the growth of Australia and New Zealand’s biotech sector is central to Brandon Capital’s model. As part of this long-term strategy, Brandon Capital conducts an annual internship training program to provide candidates with a foundational understanding of life science commercialisation. Places are first offered to candidates with an affiliation to members of the Brandon BioCatalyst network, which in Western Australia are the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Telethon Kids Institute, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and the WA Department of Health. Since the commencement of the program over 10 years ago, more than 120 candidates have successfully completed internships.
Our intern program is now conducted as a virtual eight-part workshop commencing in April/May each year. The total time commitment required for the program is approximately 80 hours (inclusive of time required for preparation and pre-reading) and is structured to provide candidates with insights into the life sciences sector from a venture capital perspective. Interns are exposed to the technical, regulatory, clinical and commercialisation pathway that must be navigated to translate medical research into a commercially viable pharmaceutical or biotech product; as well as insights into key factors that make opportunities attractive for investors/partners.
Topics covered during the program include intellectual property (IP) protection and IP strategy, due diligence, company formation and development programs, term sheets and deal structuring. In addition to building their network in the sector, interns are also invited to observe a Brandon BioCatalyst Investment Review Committee (IRC) meeting, providing first-hand exposure to our decision-making process.
Thanks to support from the Western Australian Government, four internship places are offered to WA residents each year.
The ideal candidate is someone who is interested in exploring the world of life science commercialisation and has:
Selection is competitive with cohort size capped to ensure engagement. Potential applicants from Brandon BioCatalyst members who are interested in applying for the program are encouraged to contact their commercial/business development office to express their interest. Member support along with a CV and cover letter, outlining the applicants’ interest, and what the applicant hopes to achieve from the program, are required as part of the application process.
For all other enquiries, please email Brandon BioCatalyst’s WA-based Manager Helga Mikkelsen at hmikkelsen@bcpvc.com or email info@brandonbiocatalyst.com
Western Australian intern alumni:
| Year | Intern | Member affiliation | Role during internship |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Grace Molloy | Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research | Head of Strategy and Performance, Linear |
| 2022 | Maggie Woloszyn | WA Department of Health | Project Manager – Strategy and Governance |
| 2022 | Renee Hallam | Telethon Kids Institute | Head of Innovation |
| 2022 | Pieter Eichhorn | Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute | Dean of Research Infrastructure |
| 2021 | Michael Pasquale | WA Department of Health | Senior Policy Officer, Research Innovation Unit |
| 2021 | Daphne Lakhiani, PhD | Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research | Research Associate, BriteLab |
| 2021 | Tom Hammond, PhD | Curtin University | Business Development Manager |
| 2020 | Joost Lesterhuis, MD PhD | Telethon Kids Institute | Head, Sarcoma Translational Research, Telethon Kids Institute |
| 2020 | Louis Pymar, PhD | Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research | Project Manager Commercialisation, Research Development and Innovation UWA |
| 2019 | Russell Nicholls | Curtin University | Deputy Director Commercialisation, Curtin University |
| 2019 | Intan Oldakowska | Curtin University | Course Director, Perth Biodesign; Founder and CSO, Rex Ortho; CEO, ChinUp Pty Ltd; Research Associate, Curtin University |
| 2018 | Michaela Shaw-Jones, MD | WA Department of Health | MD, University of Notre Dame |
| 2018 | Tracey Wilkinson, PhD | Telethon Kids Institute | Commercialisation and Partnerships Manager |
| 2017 | Helga Mikkelsen, PhD | Telethon Kids Institute | Project Manager |
| 2017 | Ashley Schoof | Telethon Kids Institute | Commercialisation Officer |
| 2016 | Jerome Barley, DVM | WA Department of Health and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research | Bioresources Veterinary Officer (Harry Perkins); Veterinary Support Officer (Royal Perth Hospital) |
| 2016 | James Little, MBBS MBA | WA Department of Health | Orthopaedic Registrar |
| 2016 | Benjamin Garcia-Bloj, MD PhD | Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research | Research Associate |
Through the internship it was fantastic to understand what Brandon are looking for in the projects they fund. The learnings from the internship program will be applied to the new projects we develop, both in reviewing the opportunity and developing a solid business plan that will increase the commercial success.
The internship was a valuable experience that filled a critical gap in my knowledge of how early-stage life science technologies are commercialised. Up to this point, my experience was from a technology development perspective, and I did not have a full understanding of what investors were seeking in potential investments. The internship experience is immeasurable and will pay dividends well into the future.
The internship was an excellent learning and development opportunity. I greatly improved my understanding of the venture capital financing model and elements such as valuation, due diligence, market analysis and drug development. The MRCF internship program also enabled me to expand my national commercialisation networks and work alongside experienced biotech investors.
