The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is currently seeking applications from qualified individuals to fill 7 vacancies on the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB).
The NBSB advises the HHS Secretary or the ASPR on current and future trends, challenges, and opportunities presented by advances in biological and life sciences, biotechnology, and genetic engineering with respect to threats posed by naturally occurring infectious diseases and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents.
The collection of experts reviews and considers any information and findings received from established working groups.
At the request of the HHS Secretary, the board also provides recommendations and findings for expanded, intensified, and coordinated biodefense research and development activities. The Board also provides any recommendation, finding, or report provided to the HHS Secretary or the ASPR on these matters to the appropriate committees of Congress.
The NBSB is comprised of 13 voting members, including the Chairperson; additionally, there may be non-voting ex officio members. Members and the Chairperson shall be appointed by the HHS Secretary from among the Nation’s preeminent scientific, public health, and medical experts, as follows:
Such federal officials as the HHS Secretary may determine are necessary to support the functions of the Board;
- Four individuals representing the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and device industries
- Four individuals representing academia
- Five other members as determined appropriate by the HHS Secretary (which must include a practicing healthcare professional, an individual from an organization representing healthcare consumers, someone with pediatric subject matter expertise, and a state, tribal, territorial, or local public health official).
Voting members shall not be full-time or permanent part-time federal employees but shall be appointed by the HHS Secretary as Special Government Employees in an unpaid position. A voting member of the committees shall serve for a term of three years; the HHS Secretary may also adjust the terms of appointees.
Please visit the ASPR’s website for additional information regarding the qualifications expected for applicants.
The nomination period is open from November 12, 2024-January 11, 2025.
Source: Federal Register