Renata Polotnianka appointed SUPL Facility and Laboratory Manager

SUPL Ltd has appointed Renata Polotnianka as Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) Facility and Laboratory Manager.

In the role, Renata will be responsible for managing the operation of the overall SUPL facility, with a major focus on safety, coordination of occupancy and access to the facility, and maintaining a close working relationship with Stawell Gold Mines.

She started in the role this week and will be based at The University of Melbourne until all agreements are in place and operational procedures are drafted, before being based in Stawell.

Renata has a scientific background, completing her PhD in molecular biology at The University of Adelaide and undertaking postdoctoral positions with Tulane University’s Biochemistry Department (New Orleans) and The University of Melbourne’s Genetics Department before joining Agriculture Victoria Research within the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

She has extensive experience in project delivery, systems development and facility management, including the establishment, commissioning and management of science support of the AgriBio facility at La Trobe University.

Renata is looking forward to playing an important role in the search for dark matter at SUPL, and to enjoying the beautiful landscape surrounding Stawell.

“I am looking forward to the practical, hands-on nature of the role and the opportunity to meet and interact with the diverse range of scientists that will use the facility,” she said.

“This is an exciting opportunity to apply and adapt my diverse skills to the challenges of the physical sciences while giving me the ability to enjoy the wonderful features of a regional environment, particularly the Grampians.

“I have already organised a three-day hike along the Grampians trail for late September.”