Technical Expert, Regulation and Policy for Genetic Biocontrol Research

Company: Foundation of the NIH
Location: Rockville
Posted on: May 8, 2024

Job Description:

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) connects the world's leading public and private organizations to accelerate biomedical breakthroughs for patients. The FNIH brings together leading scientist to navigate and solve complex human health problems and advance development of new therapies, diagnostics, and potential cures; advance global health and equity in care; and celebrate and train the next generation of scientists.Established by Congress in 1990 to support the mission of the NIH, the FNIH is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information about the FNIH, please visit . EOE STATEMENT: The FNIH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. The FNIH celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) is hiring a Technical Expert on Regulation and Policy for Genetic Biocontrol Research to join our GeneConvene Global Collaborative, a program to advance best practices and informed decision making for development of genetic biocontrol technologies to improve public health.The Technical Expert is responsible for understanding the regulatory and policy landscape for genetic biocontrol approaches to control malaria and other vector-borne diseases; planning and implementing a portfolio of activities to provide technical information and advice on regulation and policy to stakeholders; and collaborating with partners to build regulatory and policy capacity, particularly through online and in-person trainings. The position reports to the Senior Technical Expert, Regulation and Policy.The Technical Expert will be expected to contribute to activities to advance informed governance of genetic biocontrol approaches for vector-borne diseases, including:

• Staying updated on national, international, and institutional regulations, policies, and guidance on synthetic biology, genetically modified organisms, and gene drive approaches to control malaria and other vector-borne diseases, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa
• Providing technical information and advice on relevant regulation and policy to stakeholders including product developers and capacity-strengthening partners, though informal consultation and formal presentations
• Designing and delivering trainings and other informational resources and events, in collaboration with partner organizations, on regulation and policy to scientists, regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders
• Developing, managing, and reporting on contracts with partners to perform independent risk assessments and contribute to other activities
• Contributing to identifying regulatory and policy priorities to support informed decision making, raising awareness of those priorities externally, and planning associated team initiatives
• Building and maintaining trusting relationships with external and internal colleagues through respectful dialogue and cultural sensitivity POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Successful candidates for the role will be able to demonstrate:
  • A masters, doctorate, or equivalent degree in life sciences and relevant technical understanding of research on and development of new biotechnology or synthetic biology products
  • 5 or more years of professional experience understanding and applying regulation, policy, and/or guidelines related to biotechnology
  • Experience working collaboratively and productively with colleagues with a diverse range of responsibilities and professional and personal backgrounds
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally, especially to sub-Saharan Africa, for up to 25% of time per year
  • Ability to develop and deliver informational activities such as presentations and trainings.
  • A flexible and diplomatic approach to communication
  • Ability to work successfully within a team environment
  • Ability to prioritize activities across competing demands
  • Judgment to work independently and ask for guidance when needed
  • Courage to take on challenges, learn from setbacks, and develop professionallyAdditional consideration will be given to these qualifications:
    • Experience collaborating with international partners, particularly in Africa, on public health or biosafety
    • Experience with the key principles of biosafety and risk assessment
    • Experience with research, development, or use of genetically modified organisms FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time LOCATION: FNIH (Hybrid) PIaf42580ef5ce-31181-34334712

Keywords: Foundation of the NIH, Bethesda , Technical Expert, Regulation and Policy for Genetic Biocontrol Research, Other , Rockville, Maryland