BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Expert Pool for the OECD Test Guidelines Program (bf3r)

The OECD National Coordinators are responsible for continuously and actively shaping the multi-stage consultation and decision-making process on which the adoption of new or revised OECD Test Guidelines or Guidance Documents is based. In addition to the expertise of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, national experts should be involved in this process in an advisory capacity in order to achieve a high-quality scientific and nationally coordinated assessment and further development of OECD test methods in all areas.

This pool of experts should cover the various key topics and the relevant toxicological endpoints of the OECD test guideline program. Experts will be involved on request, depending on the ongoing processes at OECD level.

We are looking for natural scientists and veterinary/human medicine specialists with proven expertise in various toxicological issues.

Tasks and objectives of the OECD Test Guidelines Program

The OECD Test Guidelines Programme is concerned with the international harmonization and standardization of physico-chemical, ecotoxicological and toxicological test methods for the assessment of industrial chemicals, biocides and pesticides. Under the leadership of individual OECD member states, new test guidelines are being developed, existing ones improved and guidelines on test methods and related assessment strategies drawn up. The aim is to develop test guidelines and guidelines that reflect the current state of science and regulatory needs, strengthen animal welfare and are internationally recognized.

Task of the OECD national coordinators

Each OECD member state appoints a national coordinator. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) has assigned the task of national coordinator for the area of health to the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

The national coordinators have a central role in the OECD test guideline program. As part of the Working Group of National Co-ordinators of the Test Guidelines Program (WNT), they submit proposals for the development of new or the revision of existing test guidelines or guidelines and evaluate the project proposals of other member states. They also coordinate comments on drafts of new and amended test guidelines or guidance documents at national level.

What tasks does the pool of experts perform?

The national coordinator has the task of pooling national expertise and incorporating it into the OECD process. The interdisciplinary pool of experts advises the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment as national coordinator in the area of health on the development of and comments on test guidelines, guidance documents and assessment strategies.

How is the work of the pool of experts organized?

As an expert, you support the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment as national coordinator with your scientific expertise in evaluating and commenting on OECD documents either in a written procedure or in the context of expert discussions at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. Depending on the topic and question, suitable experts will be selected and asked about their interest and availability. This means that inclusion in the expert pool does not automatically mean that you will work for the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The work will only take place after you have agreed to a specific technical inquiry.

The work as an expert for the OECD Test Guidelines Program is voluntary. Travel expenses can be reimbursed within the framework of the Federal Travel Expenses Act.

Which experts are sought and what criteria are used to select them?

We are looking for natural scientists from various disciplines as well as veterinarians/physicians with a strong connection to toxicology. The involvement of experts from various fields of activity such as universities, non-university research institutions, contract laboratories, industry, NGOs and authorities is desirable. In addition to proven technical expertise, experience in committee or expert activities is also desirable.

We are looking for experts with a focus on toxicology, toxicokinetics, cell biology, immunology, genetics, neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, 3R research, laboratory animal science, epidemiology/biometrics.

Expertise is required for the following toxicological endpoints: acute toxicity, genotoxicity, irritation/corrosion, sensitization, carcinogenicity, endocrine effects, reproductive toxicity, repeated dose toxicity and specific target organ toxicity. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is also required:

  • In silico toxicology (e.g. QSAR, read-across, modeling)
  • Development and/or application of in vitro or in chemico methods
  • Application of OMICS technologies
  • Implementation of High Content (HCS) and High Throughput Screening (HTS) procedures
  • Implementation of validation studies
  • Development and/or application of OECD test guidelines
  • Development and/or application of in vivo methods (specifying the test animal species).

Selection procedure and appointment

An internal BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment appointment committee examines the documents submitted to ensure that they meet the requirements (e.g. possession of the necessary degrees, qualifications and professional experience). This is followed by a further review by independent external experts. The experts are appointed by the President of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment for an indefinite period. The experts must renew their expression of interest in working as an expert for the OECD Test Guidelines Program every two years.

Independence and declaration of any conflicts of interest

The experts included in the expert pool are appointed in a personal capacity. Applicants undertake to act independently of any external influence.

Application procedure

Please fill out the application form completely and send it with the additional application documents (CV, list of publications) to the following e-mail address: OECD-expertenpool@bfr.bund.de. Please note that the total size of the files must not exceed 10 MB.

You can also send your application by post to the address below.

The selection for the pool of experts will be based on the principle of gender equality. Female scientists with specialist qualifications are strongly encouraged to express their interest. Applications from qualified young scientists are expressly encouraged.

Inclusion in the pool of experts is based on subject-specific qualifications. Applicants must also submit a declaration of conflicts of interest.

Requirements for the application:

Privacy policy for inclusion in the OECD Expert Pool (in German)