Norway Job Openings

cepi

Biosafety and Biosecurity Oversight Lead

Oslo

FULL TIME

July 29, 2024

Vacancy

Vacancy reference

VAC-0364

Department

Biosecurity

Location

Oslo / London / Washington DC

Close date

08/09/2024

Job description

About CEPI

Launched in 2017, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is an international coalition of governments, academic, philanthropic, private, public, and intergovernmental institutions whose vision is to create a world in which epidemics and pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity. Our mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI played a central role in the global response to COVID-19, creating the world’s largest portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines – seven of which are approved for global or domestic use - and co-leading COVAX, the global initiative to support equitable access which supported the delivery of over 2bn vaccine doses globally. CEPI has CEPI has contributed to a number of scientific breakthroughs in vaccine development against other infectious diseases, including the first ever licensed Chikungunya vaccine and the first Nipah and Lassa virus vaccines into Phase 1 trials.
As COVID-19 has demonstrated, emerging infectious diseases represent an existential threat to our way of life. COVID-19 is not the first pandemic of the 21st century, and unless we act now, we can be sure that it will not be the last. Unlike some of the other big threats that humanity faces, we have the tools to systematically reduce and even eliminate the risk of future pandemics. It is vital that we capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from the pandemic to prevent such devastation happening again. CEPI’s five-year plan for 2022-2026 – known as CEPI 2.0 - aims to dramatically reduce or even eliminate the future risk of pandemics and epidemics. Central to the plan is CEPI’s goal to accelerate the time taken to develop safe, effective, globally accessible vaccines against new threats to just 100 days. Achieving this ‘100 Days Mission’, which has been embraced by the G7 and G20, would give the world a fighting chance of containing a future outbreak before it can spread to become a global pandemic, potentially averting millions of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic damage.
CEPI is a not-for-profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington DC.
In CEPI we strive for diverse thinking, and we want a diverse pool of candidates for all our vacancies. We work for an inclusive working environment where each employee can contribute and grow.
More details about CEPI and our mission can be found on our website: www.cepi.net

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)

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 Ph D 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

What we can offer you

Experience in the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks
The opportunity to work together with leading internal and external experts on solutions for global challenges
A diverse and inclusive working environment

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