Home > Training > Biosafety
The Midwest Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research (MRCE) invites applications for an NIH/NIAID-funded post-doctoral fellowship in Biosafety. The fellowship, supervised by Dr. Susan Cook at Washington University in St. Louis, will provide 1 to 2 years of training in how to safely work with and manage pathogenic microorganisms, including select agents. Upon completion of the program, the fellow will be able to establish and supervise biosafety programs in a variety of academic, industrial, and government settings. Fellowships require an MD, PhD, DVM or other medically oriented professional degree, preferably in the life sciences. Preference will be given to candidates currently affiliated with a Region VII (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Cleveland, OH) institution.
Biosafety Fellows participate in the day to day operations of a biosafety officer, and receive specialized training in all aspects of biosafety program development and management in the context of the MRCE consortium. Although supervised by Dr. Susan Cook, fellows undergo rotations with select individuals to learn about specialized biosafety issues, including animal models of disease and working with pathogens at high containment (BSL3), with an emphasis on Select Agent Program management. Fellows assist with and participate in meetings of the Washington University in St. Louis Institutional Biological and Chemical Safety Committee (IBC) where they apply skills related to assessing risks associated with cutting-edge emerging infectious disease and biodefense research.
Fellows also play a key role in the development of the MRCE Biosafety Education for the Research Scientist Course, aiding Dr. Cook in course management and participating as instructors in the hands-on exercises.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Fellowships require an MD, PhD, DVM or other medically oriented professional degree, preferably in life sciences. Preference will be given to postdoctoral fellow candidates currently affiliated with a Region VII (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Cleveland, OH) institution.
FELLOWSHIPS
- $50,000 per year plus fringe benefits.
- 1 year minimum, 2 years maximum.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION:
- At completion, fellows will have the opportunity to take the American Society for Microbiologists, National Registry of Microbiologists, Specialist in Biosafety certification exam. The MRCE will support the cost of this exam.
DEADLINES:
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2009
- Anticipated Fellowship start date: July 1, 2009
For further information contact Scott Handley at shandley_AT_mrce.wustl.edu / (314) 286-0192