Senior Scientist at Jhpiego

Overview

• The Senior Scientist shall support the continual improvement of biosafety and biosecurity policy, procedure and implementation at the NICD in order to allow for compliance with national and international regulations as they may apply, but also to maintain and expand the NICD’s status as a leader in biorisk management in South Africa and the continent. The Biorisk Officer will support the NICD for activities related to the country’s compliance to the International Health Regulations and the Joint External Evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory inspections as requested by NDOH
• Assist with data consolidation and maintain databases and consolidate recommendations and draft reports to be shared with the departmental DGs
• Conduct industry outreach and follow-up
• Assist with secretariat for the Biosafety and Biosecurity Technical Working Group and its activities including arrange/coordinate meetings and activities
• Support with the import/export permit system at the NICD
• Implement objectives of the Biosafety and Biosecurity strategy
• Provide expert advice to staff and external stakeholders on Biorisk management principles and practices accordance with relevant legislation, policies and standards
• Developing and managing a secure database for pathogens requiring an import permit or transfer from the NICD’s Centre’s.
• Perform internal audits and inspections as required under legislative compliance, including but not limited to: workplace audits; accident and incident investigations/reporting; and worksite inspections.
• Assessment of new program activities to ensure compliance with national legislation
• Develop and implement a biorisk management training policy for NICD including staff, visitors and contractors, with consideration for existing policies and procedures. Develop standardized awareness and educational materials as required.
• Support HSRs and NICD staff in preforming biorisk risk assessments. Provides technical expertise in recognizing, monitoring, and evaluating exposure to various hazards.
• Participate in NICD internal/external committees as required including the IBBC
• Assists in the review and standardisation of biosafety and biosecurity procedures and policies for the NICD’s Biorisk Management program as directed by the IBBC.
• Interpret audit findings for management, provides guidance in the development of corrective action plans.
• Participates in ad hoc related activities as and when need arises e.g.: Support for NDOH.
• Support for the development of a NAPHISA biorepository
• Provide administrative and other support as required to the Division of Biosafety and Biosecurity
• Act as an incident response manager as required.
• Willing and able to travel nationally and internationally
• Attend and participate in national, regional and international courses and workshops in order to remain up to date with biosafety and biosecurity practices

Required Qualifications

• National Diploma in Biomedical Technology/Degree in Science
• Holder of locally and internationally recognised training and certifications in biosafety and biosecurity and related fields
• Laboratory biosafety and biosecurity experience
• Occupational heath experience
• Experience in conducting risk assessments
• Preferred Qualifications
• OSHA
• International laboratory biosafety and biosecurity guidelines and regulations
• Strategic planning