Open call for experts for developing standard operating procedures on sampling, processing and sharing of biological samples and genetic data from the Area

Open call for experts for developing standard operating procedures on sampling, processing and sharing of biological samples and genetic data from the Area

The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is seeking experts to participate in a Group of Experts (GoE) on the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) on sampling, processing and sharing of biological samples and genetic data from the Area.

The ISA Deep-sea Biobank initiative aims to promote global access to biological samples and genetic data from the international seabed area (the Area). To this end, it seeks to create a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) on sampling, processing and sharing of biological samples and genetic data from the Area, building upon existing best practices and recommendations of the ISA Legal and Technical Commission (LTC), with a view to enhancing scientific collaboration and data quality. In particular, the SOPs will effectively enable comparative analyses and synergistic research for protecting and using deep-sea biological resources for various purposes.

To this end, the ISA secretariat is convening an informal GoE under the ISA Deep-sea Biobank Initiative to define the scope and prepare draft SOPs, based on the results of research and gap analysis conducted by the secretariat.

Objective

The GoE will be tasked to:

1. Review a draft scope prepared by the ISA secretariat.
2. Review and synthesize existing information and best practices to inform draft SOPs.
3. Define the scope of the priority SOPs.
4. Prepare draft SOPs and describe areas for further analysis and development.

For more information on the GoE, please refer to the Terms of Reference.

Application process

All interested experts are invited to submit an application by email to oemmr-secretariat@isa.org.jm as soon as possible but no later than 27 February 2026. The application should be accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and a brief description (< 500 words) of their knowledge, skills, and experiences, related to the objectives, especially the following:

1. Collecting, processing, and managing deep-sea biological samples.
2. Collecting, analyzing and sharing marine biological and genetic data and information.
3. Work of ISA and the BBNJ Agreement, especially on environmental baseline studies, impact assessments, and management measures.
4. Developing and applying standardized scientific methodologies.

For inquiries, please contact oemmr-secretariat@isa.org.jm.