Application Guide

How to Apply for International Standards Fellow

at The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS)

🏢 About The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS)

IBBIS is a unique organization focused specifically on biosecurity and biosafety in scientific contexts, operating at the intersection of biotechnology governance and international standards. What makes IBBIS distinctive is its targeted approach to bridging Chinese scientific communities with global standards bodies, addressing critical gaps in biosecurity coordination. Someone might want to work here to contribute to meaningful international scientific cooperation while navigating complex geopolitical and regulatory landscapes.

About This Role

This International Standards Fellow role involves coordinating the DNA Screening Standards Consortium while specifically focusing on China engagement through stakeholder mapping, workshop design, and working group facilitation. The role is impactful because it directly enables Chinese participation in international biosecurity standards, addressing a critical need in global biotechnology governance and regulatory alignment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with the DNA Screening Standards Consortium members across time zones, analyzing Chinese biotechnology policy documents, and mapping stakeholder relationships within Chinese research institutions. You could be designing workshop materials for Chinese scientific audiences while preparing bilingual documentation for international standards alignment discussions.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) Is Looking For

  • Has direct experience engaging with Chinese research institutions, government-linked organizations, or academic bodies, particularly in biotechnology or scientific fields
  • Possesses practical knowledge of international standards development processes, especially in biotechnology or related scientific domains
  • Demonstrates proven ability to design and execute workshops or dialogues that facilitate cross-cultural scientific collaboration
  • Has experience with stakeholder mapping methodologies and can develop targeted engagement strategies for Chinese scientific communities

📝 Tips for Applying to The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS)

1

Highlight specific examples of your work with Chinese institutions - name organizations, describe projects, and quantify outcomes where possible

2

Demonstrate your understanding of international standards bodies relevant to biotechnology (like ISO, IEC, or specific consortia) and how they operate

3

Include concrete examples of stakeholder mapping you've conducted, explaining your methodology and how it informed engagement strategies

4

Showcase your bilingual capabilities by mentioning specific documents you've translated or meetings you've facilitated in both English and Chinese

5

Tailor your application to show how you can bridge Chinese scientific communities with international standards processes - this is the core challenge of the role

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience working with Chinese scientific or government institutions and specific outcomes achieved', 'Your understanding of international standards development processes in biotechnology or related fields', "Examples of successful workshop design or stakeholder engagement initiatives you've led or contributed to", 'How your bilingual capabilities have enabled effective communication in cross-cultural scientific contexts']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → IBBIS's specific projects and initiatives related to DNA screening standards and biotechnology governance
  • → Current Chinese biotechnology regulatory frameworks and key institutions involved in standards development
  • → The DNA Screening Standards Consortium's structure, members, and current work streams
  • → Recent developments in international biosecurity standards and China's participation patterns

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with Chinese research institutions - specific organizations, projects, and challenges you encountered
2 Walk us through how you would approach stakeholder mapping for Chinese biotechnology organizations
3 How would you design a workshop to facilitate Chinese participation in international standards development?
4 What do you see as the main challenges in aligning Chinese biotechnology governance with international standards?
5 Can you provide an example of a complex cross-cultural communication situation you navigated successfully?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic statements about 'working with China' without specific examples of institutions, projects, or outcomes
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of international standards development processes specific to biotechnology
  • Overlooking the bilingual requirement - applications should acknowledge both English and Chinese proficiency throughout

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS)!

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