Background:
The Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON) is an
opensource informal surveillance program designed to revolutionize global biothreats
surveillance and response. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI), large
language models (LLMs) and a network of globally based experts, BEACON rapidly
collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on emerging infectious diseases
affecting humans, animals, and the environment. BEACON is based at Boston
University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases (CEID) and operated in partnership
with the Hariri Institute for Computing and Data Sciences at Boston University and
HealthMap at Boston Children’s Hospital. BEACON seeks to engage Outbreak Analysts
based in Africa and the Middle East to provide human oversight and quality control to
BEACON’s biothreats signal pipeline and AI generated reporting.
For more information: https://beaconbio.org
Scope:
The scope of work involves reviewing, selecting, and verifying signals from BEACON’s
pipeline and editing and publishing AI generated reports displayed on BEACON’s
website. When on call to cover the platform, the Outbreak Analyst will be responsible for
ensuring, on a daily basis, that signals are reviewed and verified and that reports are
edited and published with accuracy and needed context.
Services to be Performed:
•
•
•
Serve as the on-call Outbreak Analyst for a minimum of 4-8 weeks per year
(if available for additional weeks, that will be considered). On-call weeks
involve 7 consecutive days of approximately 2-4 hours of work/day.
During on-call weeks, on a daily basis, review select incoming signals in
BEACON’s closed editor system as well as any external submissions, select
signals of interest, verify selected signals following BEACON’s verification
methodology, select signals for AI generated reports, review and edit AI
generated reports The number of reports expected per day will range from
approximately 2-5. Reports will be reviewed by BEACON senior staff prior
to publishing to the BEACON website.
Attend BEACON editorial team meetings at least once per month and during
the on-call weeks.
-2 -
Deliverables:
•
4 (7 day) weeks minimum of on-call support to BEACON with a minimum of
2-4 reports produced per day
Qualifications:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
An advanced degree in the human or animal health field, plant biology, or
toxicology required (MD, MBBS, DVM, PhD in microbiology or similar
field), additional advanced degree in a related field (MPH or participation in
an international Field Epidemiology Training Program) a plus.
Five or more years of experience in human, animal, or plant infectious
diseases or toxicology, specifically in diagnosis, treatment, and/or research.
Training in epidemiological surveillance methodology and outbreak
investigation required (TEPHINET Field Epidemiology Training Program
[FETP] or similar training)
A track record of achievement in academic, governmental or
nongovernmental organization commensurate with career stage.
Ability and interest in maintaining expertise in infectious diseases through
continuing education.
Email and Internet proficiency and daily access.
Ability to have uninterrupted Internet access to support daily duties.
Comfort with using and learning new technologies and willingness and
capacity to learn how to use BEACON’s complex closed editor system.
Experience drafting epidemiological reports for public health programs
Written and spoken English language fluency. Additional languages a plus.
Located in Africa or the Middle East region.
Consulting Agr Form 5/24/21
Work Schedule, Delivery Dates:
November 1, 2025 through November 1, 2026 with the possibility of renewal.
Minimum of 4 weeks per year (7 consecutive days, Thursday to Thursday). Work can
be performed remotely.
Payment:
Outbreak analysts will receive a weekly honorarium, paid in USD, commensurate
with their qualifications and experience. This is a contracted position for a
consultancy with Boston University.
How to apply:
To be considered for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining
your interest and relevant experience to [email protected]. Applications will be
reviewed on a rolling basis.