Great technology should go hand-in-hand with great support.

That’s why Luminex focuses on empowering customers with the help of our amazing team of field service engineers — people like Paul Cranwell, who bring deep expertise in engineering and field service to our customers in Australia and New Zealand. He joined Luminex in 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Charles Sturt University.

Q: What are your responsibilities at Luminex?

A: I’m one of two field service engineers (FSEs) supporting Luminex in Australia and New Zealand. Ever since the company started providing direct service in this region, we’ve been focused on building the support infrastructure and processes needed to grow the business and exceed expectations. We take pride in supporting our install base, and we are committed to making Luminex’s decision to provide service in this market a success for the business, our customers, and ourselves. A successful launch relies heavily on how our partners and customers perceive our professionalism — and we’re committed to making a strong impression.

Q: How did you get started on this career path?

A: I initially qualified as a medical scientist and spent several years working in clinical chemistry before transitioning into the diagnostics industry as an applications specialist. With over 20 years at the same company, I progressed through various roles, including applications, technical sales, and engineering, before becoming a service manager. Around five years ago, during the COVID period, I joined a distributor as a field service engineer, supporting a wide range of platforms in both diagnostics and research.

Q: What drew you to the company?

A: The opportunity to help establish a service business in a new region was an exciting challenge, and one I felt well prepared for. I wanted to apply my experience in a role that would stretch me professionally and allow me to specialize more deeply in a particular technology. Just as importantly, Luminex felt like a strong cultural fit for my personal values — and that made the decision easy.

Q: If you could solve any clinical or genetic challenge, what would it be?

A: That’s an easy one. My son has a rare genetic mutation that causes vision impairment, presenting as retinitis pigmentosa. If I could wave a magic wand, I would restore his — and others’ — sight. That would be an incredible achievement and a deeply personal one.

Q: If you weren’t at Luminex, where would you be?

A: I’d still be in a role where I could make a meaningful impact — perhaps in research, or electronic or mechanical engineering. I thrive in environments where each day presents something new, so I couldn’t imagine doing something repetitive or routine.

Q: What is something about you that no one at Luminex knows?

A: I live on a small rural property of about two acres, shared with four generations of family — along with a menagerie of animals that includes cats, dogs, chickens, geese, rabbits, and pigs! Let’s just say that traveling for work often feels like a mini holiday.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

A: I’m an avid adventure motorcyclist and ride a Suzuki DR650, mostly off-road. I’ve taken several remote outback journeys and am planning to cross the Simpson Desert in central Australia this August to mark a significant birthday.

 

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