Dr Raj Bhula commenced in the role of Gene Technology Regulator in  July 2016 and was reappointed for another five years in June 2021. Dr Bhula is an experienced regulator, with over 8 years at the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator in the Department of Health and Aged Care. 

In her executive career, Dr Bhula had 10 years of experience in the regulation of pesticides in Australia. 

Dr Bhula joined the Australian Public Service after completing a Ph.D in Chemistry with over 6 years of postdoctoral research into bioinorganic chemistry and drug design in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.