NAO Head of Biosecurity Response

We offer a referral bonus of up to $5,250 for this position; see here for more details.

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  • Project/Division: Nucleic Acid Observatory
  • Start date: As soon as possible
  • Status: Full-time SecureBio employee
  • Approximate compensation: $130,000 to $170,000; we may make exceptions for outstanding candidates
  • Visa sponsorship: Yes
  • Work location: Cambridge, MA (preferred) or Washington, DC
  • Reports to: NAO Director

The role

The Nucleic Acid Observatory is building a pathogen-agnostic early warning system to protect the world from catastrophic pandemics.  A project of the research non-profit SecureBio, our mission is to ensure that, as advances in biotechnology lower the barriers to engineering pathogens, humanity is prepared. We're developing systems to identify novel threats early enough to mount an effective response, even ones spreading without obvious symptoms.

We're looking for a Head of Biosecurity Response to lead our response strategy, and ensure detection translates into effective response.  You'll create escalation frameworks for different threat levels, establish partnerships for external validation and response, and craft proactive crisis communication templates that acknowledge uncertainty.  You'll need to think creatively about what an effective response would look like, maintain ongoing relationships with people throughout government and public health to minimize time to appropriate action during escalations, and ultimately coordinate the entire response when we detect something concerning. You’ll also work closely with our Genomic Biosecurity Scientist, to translate technical findings into actions appropriate for our level of knowledge.

Responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain partnerships with external organizations for independent validation of concerning signals.

  • Work with our Head of Partnerships to build and nurture ongoing relationships with relevant government agencies (CDC, BARDA, DHS, DoD, local public health) to ensure smooth coordination during potential crisis events.

  • Create and refine crisis communication templates that convey appropriate urgency while acknowledging uncertainty and setting expectations.

  • Work with our Genomic Biosecurity Scientist to translate technical findings into actionable intelligence.

  • Develop and maintain escalation frameworks for detection events, ranging from routine anomalies to potential pandemic-level events.

  • Coordinate the full response process when concerning signals are detected, from initial assessment through resolution.

  • Develop exercises and simulations to test and improve response protocols.

  • Create decision trees for various detection scenarios that balance false alarm costs against catastrophic risk.

  • Maintain up-to-date contact lists and communication channels with key stakeholders.

  • Draft after-action reports following response events to continuously improve protocols.

Role Expectations

Required

  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to earn trust and convey complex information clearly.

  • Track record of successfully handling high-pressure situations with incomplete information, including the ability to stay calm, make considered decisions, and communicate clearly.

  • Exceptional ability to synthesize complex, often incomplete, technical information to extract decision-critical insights and drive action.

  • Demonstrated skill in coordinating across multiple independent teams or organizations, even without formal authority.

  • Strategic thinker who can think several steps ahead, set priorities, and adapt in uncertain environments.

  • Strong judgment and discretion, particularly in situations involving ambiguity and serious risk.

Preferred

  • 5+ years of experience in emergency response, public health preparedness, or biosecurity.

  • Strong understanding of the US public health and biosecurity infrastructure.

  • Existing relationships within US government biosecurity and public health agencies.

  • Advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, biosecurity, or related field.

  • Demonstrated experience with biological incident response, outbreak investigation, or developing and implementing response protocols.

  • Experience working with and managing confidential or otherwise sensitive information.

  • Experience building and leading small teams.

Salary and benefits

Our employee benefits reflect our belief in investing to build the strongest possible team, in which everyone receives the trust and support they need to excel. Our benefits package includes:

  • Comprehensive healthcare

    Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including health, dental & vision insurance, as well as a yearly mental health allowance for every employee.

  • Flexible work schedule

    Flexible work hours; unlimited paid time off (PTO) for all employees; and minimum 12 weeks fully-paid parental leave.

  • World-class office

    An exceptional working environment in our Kendall Square office, including high-quality ergonomic office equipment, snacks, and daily catered lunches.

  • Development opportunities

    Generous professional development opportunities, including fully-paid conference sponsorships and a yearly development allowance for every employee.

  • 401(k)

    Employer 401(k) match up to 4% of total salary.

  • Relocation & commuter support

    Free commuter benefits, plus a generous relocation allowance for employees who move to the Boston area

About SecureBio

In joining SecureBio, you’ll be joining a motivated, mission-driven, and international team of professionals dedicated to protecting the world from biological threats. Through in-house research & development, as well as collaborations with experts in academia, industry & government, we are working to build the tools, technologies, and institutions the world needs to be secure against future biotechnology,

Major projects by the SecureBio team include the Nucleic Acid Observatory project for reliable pandemic detection and our work to understand and reduce biological risks from advanced artificial intelligence.

Application process

We will review applications on a rolling basis, and are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

After considering your written application, we may invite you to a short screening interview. High-performing candidates may be invited to further interviews, followed by an in-person work trial. We will also require two to three reference checks. 

We’re committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, and we encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. We especially encourage applications from women, gender minorities, and people of color who are excited about contributing to our mission, and are happy to consider applicants from overseas. We’re an equal opportunity employer.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or have any other questions about applying, please contact [email protected].

Referral bonus

We offer a referral bonus of up to $5,250 to individuals who refer successful candidates for this position:

  • If you refer a candidate that we invite to a long interview, you will receive $100;
  • If you refer a candidate that we invite on site, you will receive a further $500, for a total of $600;
  • If the candidate accepts a job offer from us, you will receive a further $1,650, for a total of $2,250;
  • If the candidate is still working with us after the three months from their start date, you will receive a further $3,000, for a total of $5,250.

To receive these bonuses, we must reasonably believe that you were responsible for referring the candidate to us (e.g. due to you introducing them to us when we didn’t previously know them, or them mentioning you on their application as the reason they heard about the position).