Call for Applications: Introductory Course for Standard Practice in South Korea

The hub is mandated to provide training in the manufacturing of high-quality vaccines and biologics in an industrial setting to resolve inequality in access to vaccines and biologics worldwide by expanding manufacturing capacity in LMICs.

Purpose

• The purpose of this Introductory Course for Standard Practice (GxP) is to equip participants representing the biomanufacturing workforce from LMICs with the essential skills required to operate according to current good practices.
• After completing the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to operate in a biomanufacturing facility according to international GxP standards. By investing in workforce development, the hub will support ongoing initiatives in local bioproduction and strengthen knowledge sharing between manufacturers.
• This includes, but is not limited to, didactic and practice sessions on Good Laboratory Practice, Good Clinical Practice, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice, Good Manufacturing Practice, and Biosafety.

Costs Covered

• The course is offered free of charge to participants. Accommodation will be provided during the entire course days and weekends. On weekdays, breakfast and lunch will be provided. On weekends, only breakfast will be provided.
• The trip cost to/from Seoul, the Republic of Korea will not be covered. Applicants must secure the traveling costs at their own expense, and it is recommended to schedule the return flight within 3 days following the course. Selected participants will be responsible for obtaining any vaccinations and visas which may be necessary for the travel.

Eligibility Criteria

• The course targets individuals employed by entities in countries formally registered as LMICs on the OECD DAC list and currently involved in the production of bioproducts including vaccines, therapeutics, monoclonal antibodies, etc.
• Training and services will be provided exclusively to selected individuals and cannot be transferred or shared. Applicants are expected to demonstrate in their application how they will apply the experience gained during the training program and commit to returning to their home institution upon completion.
• The priority selection criteria for this course are as follows:
  • Have an educational background in the field of life sciences
  • Hold a position as a technician, engineer, scientist, or manager with up to 6 years of experience in biomanufacturing or a related field
  • Be employed by a company registered as a legal entity in an LMIC conducting activities within the scope of biomanufacturing
  • Be a citizen of, and resident in, a LMIC
  • Have at least an intermediate level of spoken and written English
  • Demonstrate in the application how the acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies during the training will be applied within the applicant’s organization after the training
  • Explain in the application the relevance to a professional project

Selection Criteria

• Eligible applications will be reviewed by the selection committee formed by members recommended by MoHW of the Republic of Korea and WHO.
• When the selection process is completed, the selected participant will be informed of the next steps and necessary information by e-mail.
• Due to limited capacity, up to 5 participants maximum from each organization will be allowed to participate.
• The Selection Committee may apply a limit of 10% of the total training participants accepted from any single LMIC if the number of applications exceeds the limit.
• For the institutions involved in animal vaccine production only and wishing to send participants to the training, a letter from the institution must be addressed to the GTH-B with a statement regarding an institutional plan to expand its scope to human vaccine.
• The selection process will be based solely on the eligibility and merits of the applicants. Personal connections or informal recommendations will not be considered under any circumstances.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must provide the following information:
  • Personal information including name, gender, date of birth, nationality, country of residence, passport information, contact details, etc.
  • Educational background/qualifications and level of English proficiency
  • Professional background including description of applicant’s current post and work experience
  • GTH-B training history
• Applicants must upload the following documents:
  • A copy of their passport
  • A letter of endorsement: A letter from the Director of the applicant’s institution confirming the applicant’s capability to successfully undertake the training and certifying their current employment status.

For more information, visit WHO.