Technical Expert – Allergy/Immunology
Role purpose/Accountabilities
* Provide expertise in the areas of food allergy, immunology and the assessment of allergenic potential of novel proteins in genetically modified food crops
* Provide high level support to expertise development in the area of immuno-toxicology testing and the assessment of immunotoxic effects of crop protection chemicals in humans.
* Responsible for performing technical assessments of the allergenic potential of novel proteins in the development phase of new genetically modified food crops
* Responsible for advising colleagues/stakeholders on worldwide strategies for assessing allergenicity of novel proteins in food crops and implementation of agreed strategies
* Interact with global regulatory authorities worldwide as needed to discuss and resolve issues concerning allergenicity technical assessments
* Responsible for planning, contracting, monitoring and interpreting specific serum screening studies, as needed
* Represent the company on the International Life Sciences Institute Protein Allergenicity Technical Committee.
* Participate in scientific forums, meetings and conferences on allergy and immunology
* Responsible for building a global network of third party experts (incl. academic, governmental, private research institutions)
Knowledge, experience & capabilities
Critical Knowledge: This position requires technical proficiency in immunology, food allergy and paradigms for predicting allergenic potential of novel proteins. Familiarity with agricultural biotechnology industry as well as global regulatory requirements and issues associated with the safety evaluation of genetically modified foods is highly desirable.
Critical Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are vital to this position. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well in a team environment with a diverse group of people and the ability to influence, are needed. The successful candidate will need to posses the ability to develop, execute and troubleshoot solutions to complex problems related to allergenicity assessment.
Critical Experience: This position requires an individual with a PhD in a scientific discipline (preferably immunology, food science, molecular or cellular biology). A minimum of 8 years experience in product safety testing of genetically modified food crops, enzymes, crop protection chemicals or drugs is desirable. Post-doctoral training may account for a portion of the required experience.
Critical success factors & key challenges
• Combine technical knowledge with strong written and oral communication skills to influence favorable interpretation/acceptance of technical assessments for significant impact on global regulatory approvals of new genetically modified crops.
• Develop strategies which can be implemented to reduce uncertainty in the assessment of allergenic potential of novel proteins and increase the likelihood of successful and timely regulatory approvals of new products.
Additional information
• Travel Requirements: approximately 20% (including international travel)