The Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has appointed Madeline M. Farley, PhD, as its new Scientific Director. Her appointment is effective January 19, 2025. Farley brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles as Chief Scientific Officer at Genesis Drug Discovery & Development (GD3) in New Jersey and Managing Director for PharmOptima, a subsidiary of GD3.
During her tenure at GD3, she successfully led teams across three laboratory sites in the United States, established an Ocular Center of Excellence, and managed both regulated and exploratory bioanalysis projects. Farley expressed her enthusiasm for joining SLAS, stating, “I’m excited to join SLAS and work with a community committed to advancing scientific discovery through collaboration, innovation and rigor.” She emphasized her commitment to supporting professional development through robust training and resources for scientists at all stages of their careers.
As the Scientific Director, Farley will provide strategic leadership for SLAS’s scientific initiatives, aligning them with the organization’s mission to foster innovation and enhance the global community of life sciences researchers. She will oversee the content for SLAS educational conferences, webinars, and programming while supporting the two peer-reviewed journals, SLAS Discovery and SLAS Technology. Additionally, she will act as a scientific liaison, establishing relationships with related disciplines and industries to ensure that SLAS programs and resources remain both accurate and relevant.
Emily Yamasaki, PhD, who has been serving as the Interim Scientific Director since April 2025, will transition to the role of Assistant Scientific Director. Yamasaki’s interim leadership helped guide the Society during a time of growth and change.
Farley earned her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. Following her doctoral studies, she completed postdoctoral fellowships in pathology at McGovern Medical School and in neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Her industry career began as a Senior Research Scientist in Biochemistry at PharmOptima, where she mentored junior scientists and developed animal-use protocols, alongside designing and executing bioanalytical assays.
With over fifteen years of experience in academic research and preclinical development, Farley has a notable track record in publishing and professional service. She has previously held leadership roles, including serving as president and vice president of the Baylor College of Medicine Postdoctoral Association.
Vicki Loise, CEO of SLAS, remarked on Farley’s appointment, stating, “Madeline is an outstanding addition to our team, and her expertise will help us deliver even greater value to our members, partners, and SLAS’s life sciences community.”
SLAS is an international professional society dedicated to advancing life sciences research and technology through education, knowledge exchange, and building a global community. The Society connects researchers across academia, industry, and government to enhance scientific discovery and technological innovation.
