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
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 professionally
Additional 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
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