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Doctor Adam Thomas

Senior Research Officer - Malaria Vaccines
Adam Thomas
Background

Adam is a molecular biologist and biochemist. During his PhD, he investigated the Mycobacterium species and characterised the Pup-Proteasome system that is crucial for pathogenic mycobacteria to survive hostile environments inside macrophages and persist inside the host.

Shortly after his PhD, Adam joined the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist at CSL’s Recombinant and Gene Product Development group where he gained valuable experience in various pharmaceutical products development, large scale manufacturing, quality control and quality assurance. 

After a few years at CSL, Adam joined St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research working on an oncology-focused project with Pfizer’s Centres of Therapeutic Innovation. This collaboration aimed to identify potential new small molecules that target the DNA damage response, which is common to most cancers. 

After completing the Pfizer project, Adam joined La Trobe University working in research administration, specifically reporting on realised research impact beyond academia. He ensured La Trobe University’s continuous success in the Times Higher Education Impact ranking by aligning its operations and outputs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Adam is currently a senior research officer at Burnet working on malaria vaccines development as part of the Burnet Vaccine Initiative, while also serving as the President of the Students and Early Career Professional group at the Parenteral Drug Association in Australia (PDA Australia Chapter).

Qualifications
  • 2019: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, La Trobe University, Australia
  • 2014: Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, La Trobe University, Australia
  • 2012: Bachelor of Science (double major in Microbiology and Molecular Biology), Monash University, Australia
Appointments
  • 2023: President, Students & Young Professionals sub-chapter of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
  • 2021: Vice President, Students & Young Professionals sub-chapter of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
  • 2019: Health and Safety Representative (HSR), CSL Limited
  • 2014: Public Relations Officer, La Trobe International
  • 2013: President, Biochemistry Society, La Trobe University
Awards
  • 2014: Community Engagement Award, La Trobe University, Australia
Positions
  • 2023: Postdoctoral Research Officer, Burnet Institute, Australia
  • 2022: Research Impact Coordinator, La Trobe University, Australia
  • 2021: Senior Research Assistant, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Australia
  • 2019: Scientist, CSL Limited Recombinant & Gene Product Development, Australia
  • 2019: Postdoctoral Research Officer, La Trobe University, Australia
  • 2019: Teaching Associate, Monash University, Australia
  • 2018: Research Assistant, La Trobe University, Australia
  • 2015: Teaching Associate, La Trobe University, Australia