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Understanding the Differences Between Scientist I, Scientist II, and Senior Scientist Jobs

In the life science staffing industry, it is common to find variations in how different companies define Scientist I, Scientist II, and Senior Scientist roles, even though these titles are widely used across the industry. This blog post aims to provide a general overview of each role and highlight the key differences between them, in order to assist job seekers and employers in understanding how the titles may be perceived differently by various audiences.

The Scientist I, Scientist II, and Senior Scientist roles are all important positions within life science companies. Each role has unique responsibilities and qualifications, and it is important to understand the differences between them to make informed placement decisions.

Scientist I Jobs

A Scientist I is an entry-level position that typically requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a life science field. They are responsible for conducting experiments and analyzing data to support research projects. A Scientist I may also assist with the development of new products and technologies. Advantages of hiring a Scientist I include their eagerness to learn and grow within the company, and their lower salary compared to more experienced scientists. However, they may require more supervision and guidance compared to more experienced scientists.

A Scientist II is a mid-level position that typically requires a PhD in a life science field or several years of experience as a Scientist I. They are responsible for designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. A Scientist II may also be responsible for managing projects and supervising junior scientists. Advantages of hiring a Scientist II include their advanced scientific knowledge and experience, and their ability to work independently. However, they may require a higher salary compared to a Scientist I.

Senior Scientist Jobs

A Senior Scientist is a senior-level position that typically requires a PhD in a life science field and several years of experience as a Scientist II. They are responsible for leading research projects, developing new products and technologies, and managing other scientists. Advantages of hiring a Senior Scientist include their ability to provide scientific leadership and strategic guidance, and their extensive experience in the field. However, they may require the highest salary compared to a Scientist I or Scientist II.

Factors to Consider When Hiring for Each Role

When hiring for any of these roles, employers should consider factors such as the candidate’s education and experience, job responsibilities, and leadership abilities. Job seekers should also consider their own qualifications and experience to determine which role may be appropriate for them.

The Scientist I, Scientist II, and Senior Scientist roles all play important roles in life science companies. It is important to understand the differences between these roles to make informed hiring decisions and for job seekers to identify the appropriate role for their qualifications and experience. At our staffing company, we can help both job seekers and employers navigate these roles and find the best fit for their needs.

Research Scientist II Salary

How much does a Research Scientist II make? The average Research Scientist II salary is $131,378 as of March 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $121,513 and $152,339 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Position Classification Description

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Independently interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates research assignments. Formulates and conducts research on problems of considerable scope and complexity. Explores subject area and defines scope and selection of problems for investigation through conceptually related studies or series of projects of lesser scope.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Applies diversified knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols in research projects; makes recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area.
• Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; teaches and advises on techniques.
• Interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates scientific research assignments concerned with unique or controversial problems.
• Formulates and conducts systematic problem analysis and resolution in an area of considerable scope and complexity through series of complete and conceptually related studies, or through a variety of projects of lesser scope.
• Develops model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently on technical matters.
• Supplies technical leadership and consultation to professional co-workers, collaborators, and graduate students.
• Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international meetings.
• Prepares grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.
• Serves as principal investigator on single or multiple projects of complexity and scope consistent with above criteria, and/or manages a research unit.
• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
• Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on research data and findings.
• Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts based on original research.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Skill in educating others in research methods and techniques in area of expertise.
• Knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management.
• Ability to conduct systematic analysis and develop solutions to complex scientific and/or engineering problems.
• Ability to utilize advanced computer statistical and technical applications.
• Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Ability to use independent judgment to develop model concepts and approaches for research.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, scientific, and/or mathematical concepts and theories in area of specialty.
• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Conditions of employment.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date : 07/31/2018

Fisheries Research Scientist - Research Scientist 2

Job Summary This position is responsible for independently planning, designing, and executing original research addressing conservation and management of fisheries and other aquatic resources in Minnesota, especially as it relates to quantitative fisheries analysis; performing statistical analyses and conducting quantitative policy evaluations as the needs arise on important Minnesota fisheries; contributing to peer reviewed, scientific literature; establishing professional working relationships and collaborating with fisheries management personnel statewide, and representing the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Research Unit at meetings, trainings, and on committees as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications A Master’s degree in a fisheries related area with two years post-graduation experience including independent research project design, implementation and analysis; or a PhD in a fisheries related area including independent research project design, implementation and analysis. Thorough knowledge/understanding of current fishery science, especially quantitative fishery science, fish population and community dynamics, population and simulation modeling, and predator/prey dynamics.

Skill in statistical analyses, including proficiency in Program R or other statistical software packages. Advanced analytical skills to conduct research and to provide critical review of peer research. Exceptional personal and written communication skills as well as oral presentation skills. At least two (2) senior authored fisheries research articles in peer-reviewed, scientific journals. Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions on policy/program direction. Management skills to effectively plan, budget, motivate, coordinate, and direct resources available to meet fisheries research and management needs. Ability to collaborate on large scale projects involving a diverse team from a variety of scientific disciplines. Recognized ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships. Capability to operate and maintain a variety of equipment including boat/motors, nets, electrofishing equipment, and water quality monitoring instruments. Demonstrated computer skills including knowledge of statistical software, databases, spreadsheets and word processing sufficient to create and write reports and access data.

Preferred Qualifications Job related experience conducting applied fisheries research (e.g., analysis of fisheries management actions and/or policy analysis to identify tradeoffs/consequences of alternative management actions).

Physical Requirements Requires occasionally lifting articles of 50-pounds maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time. The position requires the ability to work in a variety of field situations which often demand good judgment and considerable physical activity in handling heavy gear and enduring adverse weather.

Additional Requirements This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record. It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components: 1. Criminal history check 2. Motor Vehicle Record 3. Employment Reference checks 4. SEMA4 Record check 5. Conflict of Interest Review 6. Education/license verification

Why Work For Us Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people.

We are also proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. This means that our employees are supportive of a diverse workplace, are respectful to one another and to our customers We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency’s mission. GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year. Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age. As a member of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Research Unit the incumbent will work alongside a talented group of motivated and productive fisheries scientists embedded in area fisheries offices across the state. Scientists work closely with Section of Fisheries management staff to establish research priorities and conduct applied research that effects the management of Minnesota’s vast aquatic resources.

Job ID: 55235 Location: Glenwood Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 09/17/2022 Closing Date: 10/07/2022 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes Salary Range: $28.96 - $42.67/hourly; $60,468 - $89,095/annually Job Class Option: Fisheries Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes

How to Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page and submit an application/resume that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please submit your certificate to Elyse Anderson at [email protected] by the job posting close date. Contact If you have questions about the position, contact John Hoxmeier at [email protected] or 651/259-5188.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. Please indicate what assistance you need.

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Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist (W24011)

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Electronic States Microscopy Research Team RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (Laboratory head: Xiuzhen Yu)

Research field

Our team is working on the real-space observation of electron structures or topological electron-spin textures and their dynamics in strong-correlation systems by means of atomic-resolution electron microscopy. We use various microscopy techniques, such as the electron tomography, in-situ imaging, differential phase contrast microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy to explore the electron structures and their dynamical phase transition or phase separation. We also use these powerful tools to quantitatively characterize the nanometric magnetic and electric fields in topological matters to exploit emergent phenomena.

Job title and job descriptions

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist: 1 position

Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less. Research Scientist is defined as those with a doctoral degree more than 5 years.

Job description

Microfabrication by using Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems, S(TEM) performance, Tomographic S(TEM), in-situ observations, Data mining, Python programing

Qualifications

• The candidate should possess a doctoral degree in electron microscopy, or the candidate will be able to obtain a doctoral degree in the field of electron microscopy before the work start date.
• The candidate must be able to communicate and work efficiently with collaborators both inside and outside the team to promote their research.

Work location

Branch and address.

Electronic States Microscopy Research Team, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)

RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures. RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits

• 1. A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum 5 years of employment for postdoctoral researcher and research scientist.
• 2. RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee’s abilities, work load at the time of contract completion, performance and work attitude and b) the continuation of the employee’s center, laboratory or project and RIKEN’s management situation and budget at the time. In principle, employment contracts will not be renewed for individuals older than 70 years.
• 3. When the center to which the Employee is affiliated is scheduled for a final review in FY2024 and it is decided that the Employee's research will not be continued, the provision given above for projects of limited duration applies and the Employee's contract will not be renewed for the FY2025 year that would extend employment beyond the center's final fiscal year.

In principle, the first two months of employment is considered a trial period. Salary will be an annual salary based on experience, ability, and performance, and will consist of a base salary and a variable salary. The variable salary will be determined each fiscal year based on experience, ability, and performance. The monthly base salary is 305,100 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher, and in the range of 361,000～484,100 JPY for Research Scientist, as of April 1, 2024. The monthly base salary and variable salary are subject to change due to amendments to RIKEN regulations.

Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.

The approximate amount of monthly salary at the time of employment:

The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance for a postdoctoral researcher will be approximately 395,000 JPY. The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 5 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 470,000 JPY.

Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai). This position falls under the specialized duties discretionary work system; one working day will be calculated as 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Days off include public holidays, New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan 3), and RIKEN Foundation Day. Paid leave includes annual paid leave (up to 20 days depending on the month of employment), special paid leave (childcare, family nursing care, etc.), and work life balance holidays (up to 7 days depending on the month of employment). There are also additional leave systems such as maternity leave, childcare leave, and family nursing care leave. Smoking will be entirely prohibited on site from April 2024. These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

RIKEN is actively undertaking initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity , and moving forward with the establishment of a diverse and vibrant research environment. If multiple candidates are found to have the same aptitude following a fair assessment, active efforts will be made to recruit female candidates.

Also, eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before fiscal year 2003, and eligible applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research ( Kakenhi ).

RIKEN has a work-from-home system, but this position requires attendance at the work location. Therefore, the work-from-home system is not available for this position.

The Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako . For details, please send an email to the HR at kids [at] riken.jp.

Application and required documents

Required documents.

• * Write the open call ID “W24011”, indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in open call ID section in the upper right corner of your CV.
• 2. List of research achievements and publications
• * Please specify the referee’s contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
• 4. 5 set of copies of your major papers
• 5. Summary of major achievements to date and research proposal in future (about 5 pages of A4 sized paper in total.)
• You will find detailed information about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the following website: Data protection | European Commission
• You will find detailed information about Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council of on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (UK GDPR) on the following website: Data Protection and the EU | Information Commissioner’s Office

How to apply

Please submit the documents as PDF files to the address in Contact Information below.

• * Note: If the submission requirements are unmet, your application will not be received.
• * Please name it "Recommendation letters of Electronic States Microscopy Research Team (Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher) applicant name" and specify the referee's contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address) in the body of the email.
• * Subject of the email should be "Recommendation letters; (W24011) Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher applicant name".
• * If the submission requirements are unmet, your application will not be received.
• * If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: yu_x [at] riken.jp.

Note: Application documents will not be returned.

Application must arrive by August 1, 2024

Handling Personal Data

Submitted documents are strictly protected under the RIKEN Privacy Policy and will be used only for the purpose of applicant screening at RIKEN. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred or loaned to a third party under any circumstances without just cause.

Selection process

Application screening and interview for selected applicants

Start of Employment

October 1, 2024 (Negotiable)

Contact Information / Send application to

Electronic States Microscopy Research Team, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Email: yu_x [at] riken.jp For inquiries, please send an email.

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• 10 April 2024

How to supercharge cancer-fighting cells: give them stem-cell skills

• Sara Reardon 0

Sara Reardon is a freelance journalist based in Bozeman, Montana.

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A CAR T cell (orange; artificially coloured) attacks a cancer cell (green). Credit: Eye Of Science/SPL

You have full access to this article via your institution.

Bioengineered immune cells have been shown to attack and even cure cancer , but they tend to get exhausted if the fight goes on for a long time. Now, two separate research teams have found a way to rejuvenate these cells: make them more like stem cells .

Both teams found that the bespoke immune cells called CAR T cells gain new vigour if engineered to have high levels of a particular protein. These boosted CAR T cells have gene activity similar to that of stem cells and a renewed ability to fend off cancer . Both papers were published today in Nature 1 , 2 .

The papers “open a new avenue for engineering therapeutic T cells for cancer patients”, says Tuoqi Wu, an immunologist at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas who was not involved in the research.

Reviving exhausted cells

CAR T cells are made from the immune cells called T cells, which are isolated from the blood of person who is going to receive treatment for cancer or another disease. The cells are genetically modified to recognize and attack specific proteins — called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) — on the surface of disease-causing cells and reinfused into the person being treated.

But keeping the cells active for long enough to eliminate cancer has proved challenging, especially in solid tumours such as those of the breast and lung. (CAR T cells have been more effective in treating leukaemia and other blood cancers.) So scientists are searching for better ways to help CAR T cells to multiply more quickly and last longer in the body.

Cutting-edge CAR-T cancer therapy is now made in India — at one-tenth the cost

With this goal in mind, a team led by immunologist Crystal Mackall at Stanford University in California and cell and gene therapy researcher Evan Weber at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia compared samples of CAR T cells used to treat people with leukaemia 1 . In some of the recipients, the cancer had responded well to treatment; in others, it had not.

The researchers analysed the role of cellular proteins that regulate gene activity and serve as master switches in the T cells. They found a set of 41 genes that were more active in the CAR T cells associated with a good response to treatment than in cells associated with a poor response. All 41 genes seemed to be regulated by a master-switch protein called FOXO1.

The researchers then altered CAR T cells to make them produce more FOXO1 than usual. Gene activity in these cells began to look like that of T memory stem cells, which recognize cancer and respond to it quickly.

The researchers then injected the engineered cells into mice with various types of cancer. Extra FOXO1 made the CAR T cells better at reducing both solid tumours and blood cancers. The stem-cell-like cells shrank a mouse’s tumour more completely and lasted longer in the body than did standard CAR T cells.

Master-switch molecule

A separate team led by immunologists Phillip Darcy, Junyun Lai and Paul Beavis at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia, reached the same conclusion with different methods 2 . Their team was examining the effect of IL-15, an immune-signalling molecule that is administered alongside CAR T cells in some clinical trials. IL-15 helps to switch T cells to a stem-like state, but the cells can get stuck there instead of maturing to fight cancer.

The team analysed gene activity in CAR T cells and found that IL-15 turned on genes associated with FOXO1. The researchers engineered CAR T cells to produce extra-high levels of FOXO1 and showed that they became more stem-like, but also reached maturity and fought cancer without becoming exhausted. “It’s the ideal situation,” Darcy says.

Stem-cell and genetic therapies make a healthy marriage

The team also found that extra-high levels of FOXO1 improved the CAR T cells’ metabolism, allowing them to last much longer when infused into mice. “We were surprised by the magnitude of the effect,” says Beavis.

Mackall says she was excited to see that FOXO1 worked the same way in mice and humans. “It means this is pretty fundamental,” she says.

Engineering CAR T cells that overexpress FOXO1 might be fairly simple to test in people with cancer, although Mackall says researchers will need to determine which people and types of cancer are most likely to respond well to rejuvenated cells. Darcy says that his team is already speaking to clinical researchers about testing FOXO1 in CAR T cells — trials that could start within two years.

And Weber points to an ongoing clinical trial in which people with leukaemia are receiving CAR T cells genetically engineered to produce unusually high levels of another master-switch protein called c-Jun, which also helps T cells avoid exhaustion. The trial’s results have not been released yet, but Mackall says she suspects the same system could be applied to FOXO1 and that overexpressing both proteins might make the cells even more powerful.

Nature 628 , 486 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01043-2

Doan, A. et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07300-8 (2024).

Article   Google Scholar  

Chan, J. D. et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07242-1 (2024).

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Postdoctoral Research Associate position at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Postdoctoral Research Associate position at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center   The Kamiya Mehla lab at the newly established Departmen...

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Computational Postdoctoral Fellow with a Strong Background in Bioinformatics

Houston, Texas (US)

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Locum Associate or Senior Editor (Immunology), Nature Communications

The Editor in Immunology at Nature Communications will handle original research papers and work on all aspects of the editorial process.

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Springer Nature Ltd

Assistant Professor - Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics

Opportunity in the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics (CPMB) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC)

Lubbock, Texas

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine

Postdoctoral Associate- Curing Brain Tumors

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External Resources

S3: Science, Safety, and Security

The U.S. Government and the Department of Health and Human Services define enhanced potential pandemic pathogen (ePPP) research as research that may be reasonably anticipated to create, transfer or use potential pandemic pathogens resulting from the enhancement of a pathogen’s transmissibility and/or virulence in humans.

ePPP research can help us prepare for the next pandemic, for example by informing public health and preparedness efforts including surveillance and the development of vaccines and medical countermeasures. However, such research requires strict oversight and may only be conducted with appropriate biosafety and biosecurity measures.

The HHS  Framework for Guiding Funding Decisions about Proposed Research Involving Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (HHS P3CO Framework)  was established in 2017 to guide HHS funding decisions on proposed ePPP research and aims to preserve the benefits of life sciences research involving ePPPs while minimizing potential biosafety and biosecurity risks. The HHS P3CO Framework is responsive to and in accordance with the  Recommended Policy Guidance for Departmental Development of Review Mechanisms for Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight  issued by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy following a three-year, public deliberative process .

Department of Health and Human Services P3CO Framework

Department of Health and Human Services Framework for Guiding Funding Decisions about Proposed Research Involving Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens

U.S. Government Policy on Enhanced PPP Research

Recommended Policy Guidance for Departmental Development of Review Mechanisms for Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight

Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight (P3CO) Policy Development

NSABB Recommendations for the Evaluation and Oversight of Proposed Gain-of-Function Research

U.S. Government Gain-of-Function Deliberative Process and Research Funding Pause on Selected Gain-of-Function Research Involving Influenza, MERS, and SARS Viruses

FAQs on the U.S. government Gain-of-function Deliberative Process and Research Funding Pause

Symposia Summaries and Commissioned Reports

1st National Academies Symposium Summary (December 15-16, 2014) – Potential Risks and Benefits of Gain-of-Function Research: Summary of a Workshop

2nd National Academies Symposium Summary (March 10-11, 2016) – Gain-of-Function Research: Summary of the Second Symposium

Risk and Benefit Analysis of Gain of Function Research – Final Report  (Gryphon Scientific)

Gain-of-Function Research: Ethical Analysis  (Professor Michael J. Selgelid)

Additional Material

NIH Director’s Statement on Funding Pause on Certain Types of Gain-of-Function Research

NIH Director’s Statement on Lifting of NIH Funding Pause on Gain-of-Function Research

NIH Director’s Statement on NIH’s commitment to transparency on research involving potential pandemic pathogens

Supplemental Information on the Risk and Benefit Analysis of Gain-of-Function Research

Gain-of-Function Deliberative Process Written Public Comments (Nov 10, 2014 – June 8, 2016)

NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines )

• NIH Guidelines – April 2024 (PDF) (Printer friendly for duplex printing)
• Federal Register Notice – April 2024

The NIH Guidelines require that any significant problems, violations, or any significant research-related accidents and illnesses” be reported to OSP within 30 days. Appendix G of the NIH Guidelines specifies certain types of accidents that must be reported on a more expedited basis. Specifically, Appendix G-II-B-2-k requires that spills and accidents in BL2 laboratories resulting in an overt exposure must be immediately reported to the OSP (as well as the IBC). In addition, Appendices G-II-C-2-q and G-II-D-2-k require that spills or accidents occurring in high containment (BL3 or BL4) laboratories resulting in an overt or potential exposure must be immediately reported to OSP (as well as the IBC and BSO).

• Incident Reporting FAQs – December 2023
• Incident Reporting Template – April 2019

*Incident reports may be released to the public in full. Please note that incident reports should not include personally identifiable information or any information that you do not wish to make public. Proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should not be included in the report.  If it is necessary to include such information, please clearly mark it as such so that it can be considered for redaction in accordance with Freedom of Information Act exemptions.*

IBC RMS and Registration Information

• Institutional Biosafety Committee Registration Management System (IBC-RMS)

IBC Self-Assessment Tool

• IBC Self-Assessment Tool – April 2024

Investigator Brochure

• Investigator Responsibilities under the  NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules  – October 2021

Additional Resources

• CDC Biosafety Resources and Tools
• American Biological Safety Association (ABSA)
• AIHA Home Page
• American Society for Microbiology
• The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy
• Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) Website
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website
• The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP)
• The Federal Register Website
• The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare
• The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Website
• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)
• Risk Group Classification for Infectious Agents (ABSA)
• Select Agent Program
• Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs
• Biosafety Discussion List