Biosafety and Biosecurity Oversight Lead

at  CEPI

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in biosecurity, biosafety, or related field
• Preferred experience in managing and/or implementing biosafety and biosecurity research risks in a laboratory environment (e.g., institutional biosafety/biosecurity officer)
• Preferred experience in assessing research biosafety and biosecurity risks in the context of institutional review entities
• Preferred experience in auditing and certification involving biosafety and biosecurity of life science research and development facilities, especially in low resource settings.
• Knowledge of global, regional, and national policies and practices for biosafety and biosecurity risk identification, assessment, and mitigation
• Preferred experience exercising oversight of biosafety and biosecurity research risks for life science research projects
• Professional experience working on biosafety and biosecurity issues from roles in different sectors a plus (e.g., government, civil society, industry)
• Ability to work independently.
• Thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines, backgrounds, and cultures
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and oral communication; ability to communicate effectively in English across organization and with senior leaders and external partners
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities
• Preferred PhD in a relevant discipline (life sciences, health, security, public policy, international affairs).
• Certifications in biosafety/biosecurity and high-performance lab operations and maintenance is a plus

TRAVEL AND LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• This role can be based in Norway/UK/US

ABOUT THE ROLE

CEPI’s mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biological countermeasures against diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential and enable access to these countermeasures for the populations that need them. In pursuing this mission, CEPI contributes to managing the inherent biological risks of the 21st century, regardless of origin.
In support of CEPI’s vision for “a world in which epidemics and pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity”, its organizational mission and the CEPI 2.0 strategy, CEPI established a new, dedicated biosecurity function in August 2023, enabled by generous support from Global Affairs Canada. As CEPI works to prevent accidental and deliberate misuse of pathogens, CEPI seeks a Biosafety and Biosecurity Oversight Lead to design and implement internal approaches to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity oversight, including risk identification, assessment, and mitigation for CEPI-sponsored research. The selected candidate will report to CEPI’s director of biosecurity and collaborate closely with a wide range of internal and external CEPI stakeholders to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity oversight of vaccine and biologics research, development, and manufacturing activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strengthen and implement a robust oversight framework for biosafety and biosecurity for CEPI-funded research projects and other relevant CEPI activities that is appropriate for the wide range of research settings in which CEPI research in conducted.
• In close coordination with CEPI stakeholder divisions, establish and maintain biosafety and biosecurity protocols and procedures for review and oversight of CEPI-funded research.
• Conduct risk assessments of CEPI’s research to identify and assess potential biosafety and biosecurity risks associated with CEPI research investments, and develop and implement risk mitigation plans
• Collaborate with international research partners to assess and prioritize biosafety and biosecurity risks, including for emerging and converging technologies, based on potential research risks and benefits.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to reduce biosafety and biosecurity risks for CEPI-funded research projects in coordination with CEPI divisions; provide technical guidance and support to research partners in implementing risk mitigation measures.
• Develop and implement biosafety and biosecurity workforce training programs
• Identify and promulgate best practices for biosafety and biosecurity risk identification, assessment, and oversight in collaboration with CEPI divisions and other governmental, non-governmental (philanthropic), and industry research funders.
• Represent CEPI in international activities related to strengthening biosafety and biosecurity oversight and reducing global biosecurity vulnerabilities
• Forge and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and industry partners.
• Advocate for stronger approaches to reduce global biosafety and biosecurity research risks in a range of stakeholder fora (e.g., governmental and non-governmental)