AOAC INTERNATIONAL is seeking qualified volunteers to serve on the Committee on Safety and Security. The Committee promotes a culture of safety and security within the Association by providing guidance on safety and security matters related to the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONALSM (OMA).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as a resource for AOAC membership on safety and security matters. Act as Safety Advisors by reviewing methods in process and supporting the integration of safety considerations into methods. Advise communities, panels, working groups, committees, and other AOAC groups on safety matters within their jurisdiction, as requested. Evaluate study protocols and manuscripts for inclusion of safety-related information and communicate feedback to method authors and/or Expert Review Panels through the safety checklist. Clarify procedural or other questions with method authors when those questions may affect method safety. Recommend cautionary statements for methods submitted for final publication in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONALSM. Stay current on laboratory safety, data security, electronic security, and physical security issues relevant to laboratories.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- Experience with laboratory safety, security, analytical methods, or related scientific programs and an interest in advancing safe and secure laboratory practices.
- Ability to review technical materials including study protocols, manuscripts, method submissions, and safety checklists.
- Collaborative advisory approach when working with AOAC communities, panels, working groups, committees, Expert Review Panels, staff, and method authors.
- Commitment to timely participation including responding to communications, attending meetings, reviewing meeting materials, and completing assignments.
- AOAC INTERNATIONAL membership is preferred.
The Committee is a standing AOAC committee composed of qualified members representing a balance of current AOAC Science Programs. Members are appointed for three-year terms, with the option for a second three-year term. Terms begin and end with the AOAC Annual Business Meeting.
- Committee size: Minimum of 5 and maximum of 12 members, including the Chair.
- Appointment: Members are appointed by the AOAC President on the recommendation of the Official Methods Board.
- Chair: The Chair serves as a member of the Official Methods Board and may recommend additional member terms based on balance and activity.
- Participation: Members are expected to actively participate in committee work, meetings, communications, reviews, and assignments.
- Review schedule: Committee terms of reference are reviewed every three years.
WHY SERVE
Advance AOAC’s culture of safety and security by contributing expertise that supports members, programs, and method development. Support analytical excellence by helping ensure that safety considerations are identified, reviewed, and communicated during method evaluation. Collaborate across AOAC groups including communities, panels, working groups, committees, Expert Review Panels, staff, and the Official Methods Board. Help shape safety guidance including recommendations for safety checklists, cautionary statements, and laboratory safety guidance in the OMA.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a volunteer application for membership on the AOAC Committee on Safety and Security
Applicants should include materials that describe relevant expertise, AOAC involvement, safety and security experience, and interest in committee service.
- Statement of interest — relevant safety and/or security experience related to laboratory, method, or AOAC experience and motivation for serving.
- CV or professional bio — scientific background, affiliations, relevant expertise in laboratory and method safety and security, and AOAC volunteer experience, if applicable.
AOAC is especially interested in volunteers who can help the Committee remain current on emerging laboratory safety issues and electronic, data, and physical security considerations for laboratories.
Application Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026
Photo by kwanchaift – stock.adobe.com
