BIOSAFETY CELL
1. Introduction
Biosafety of various biotech products and biopharmaceuticals have been point of discussion at various forums. Biosafety issues have been treated as most crucial in the evolution of biotech products. Various sets of guidelines are available for final arrival of the biotech products in the market.
However, a training program giving and insight into the complete set of the Indian and internationals guidelines is not available, to the best of the knowledge of the undersigned. Although guideline implementing and auditing authorities are existing at national and state level, lack of trained and aware manpower has always been felt. A human capital aware of biosafety issues of research, would always be of benefit to the state.
2. Biosafety Concerns of Biotechnology Research
Modern Biotechnology (recombinant DNA technology) is recognized as having great potential for the promotion of human well‐being, particularly in meeting critical needs for food, agriculture and healthcare. Biosafety refers to the need to protect the environment including human and animal health from the possible adverse effects of the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and products thereof derived from the use of modern biotechnology. Biosafety also refers to promoting safe laboratory practices, procedures, proper use of containment equipment and facilities, risk assessment and risk management, evaluation of GMOs etc. Biosafety regulations are to facilitate and regulate use of modern biotechnology work at different stages to achieve the objectives of biosafety.
3. Concerned Agencies
The guidelines for dealing with biotechnology research and product development are called the Biosafety Rules, and these are implemented through the Environment Protection Act 1986, Ministry of Environment & Forest. The agencies for implementation of the rules are Ministry of Environment & Forest and Department of Biotechnology.
Department of Biotechnology, has developed the guidelines and rules with due consultations, which are available for the stakeholders to follow. DBT through its implementing arm of Biotechnology Consortium India Ltd., also conducts awareness generation programs, to facilitate the stakeholders to understand the importance and need of biosafety, at national level.
At the state level SBCC & DLCCs are the bodies directly concerned with implementation of the biosafety rules.
4. Gaps
The implementing agencies at the state level, have been handling various issues of biosafety, but, awareness generation and systematic information dissemination has not been into their mandate.
Biosafety holds importance at the laboratory research level as well as product development level.
And hence, a first‐hand information about the guidelines and rules are important, for researchers, lab workers, industries and others related to biotech research and its benefits. The field of biosafety is very dynamic, and changes with discovery of new tools of biotechnology. Hence, a constant update of the information database is important.Also, GM crops are an issue of debate at different forums, and the country is in a revolutionary stage, where the future of GM technology rests with a wide range of stakeholders, and their awareness about the issues is a critical parameter towards informed decision making. Looking at this, it is important to build a consensus amongst the countrymen about the issues of GM crops. Hence, awareness generation efforts are also a key gap that need to be filled up.
5. Proposed Approach
In an effort to bridge the above mentioned gaps, GSBTM has launched a Biosafety & Bioethics Online Training Program. The course work and examination would be made available online for the applicants on minimal payment basis. Applicants would be selected based on prefixed eligibility criteria, vide online application. The entire course‐work as well as the examination would be conducted online.
Also, GSBTM is taking various awareness generation initiatives, so that the issues at state level can be resolved.
6. Key Activities
1. Train applicants online in biosafety rules and guidelines, by providing online course and
examination.
2. Designing biotech‐biosafety online quiz for general public, etc.
3. Conduct awareness generation programs of biosafety for the stakeholders of biotechnology.
4. Conducting Survey works and other workshops in the field of biosafety.
7. The job responsibilities of the RA
1. Conduction of the Online Training Program on a constant basis.
2. Constantly updating the portal with information and newer innovations.
3. Assisting in any kind of survey/projects related work for biosafety and related fields.
4. Assisting in conducting Biosafety awareness generation programs, like talks/seminars.
5. Preparing online biosafety quiz for various purposes.
6. Any other work deemed appropriate by the Mission Director, GSBTM.
7. Participating in all activities of GSBTM, whenever needed.
8. Eligibility of Applicant
M.Sc. Biotechnology & Allied Areas with minimum 3 years of experience in the field of biosafety or related areas.
9. Desirables
Research Fellows shall necessarily need to have very good comprehension abilities, good
communication skill, self motivated and must have an ability to effectively network with relevant stakeholders of biosafety. Candidate should have ability to conduct discussion meetings and other programs for biosafety. Candidates interested to work sincerely & arduously for the entire tenure may apply.
10. Date of Interview
The date of walk‐in‐interview is 16th January, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at GSBTM Office. Candidates will have to report along with six copies of Bio‐data and original certificates/testimonials11. Tenure of the Project 11 months (Contractual)
12. Fellowship INR 22,000 + HRA (The salary is as per the older scale and upgradation to newer scale is subject to approval by Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Gujarat)
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