Main Purpose

Within the framework of its programmatic activities, including the Zoonotic Disease lntegrated Action (ZODIAC)
project and coordination of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VETLAB) Network, the Animal Production and
Health Laboratory (APHL) of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division is engaged in research, development, and technology
transfer of nuclear and nuclear-related tools to member states. These tools are critical for the detection and
surveillance of transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases, supporting global disease control programs.
Early, rapid detection, effective tracing, and characterization of pathogens in animals are vital components of any
disease prevention and control strategy.
The consultant will primarily work with molecular, virology, and bacteriological techniques to support the
characterization of pathogens and develop novel sequencing workflows for direct pathogen detection and
sequencing from clinical samples, focusing on selected transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases.
ln close collaboration with the laboratory team, the consultant will also participate in the development, validation,
and transfer of these newly validated or developed tools to veterinary diagnostic laboratories for detecting and
monitoring animal and zoonotic pathogens.

Functions / Key Results Expected

– Evaluate and compare various sample processing and extraction methods to optimize the quality of
pathogen genomes for direct sequencing from clinical specimens.
– Assess and compare different library preparation techniques for direct sequencing of pathogen genomes
from clinical samples.
– Generate whole genome sequencing and metagenomic data from cultures and clinical samples using lon
55 for short-read sequencing, as well as Nanopore and PacBio for long-read sequencing.
– Prepare materials and Specific Operating Procedures (SOP)s for technology transfer to member states.
– Provide technical expertise in organizing and conducting international training sessions and workshops.
Compile and present results for scientific publications and communication to non-specialist audiences.
– Provide technical and scientific expertise for VETLAB network activities and the ZODIAC project.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Animal Diseases

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in biological sciences, medical sciences or veterinary sciences.
• Minimum of 2 Years of experience in relevant field
• Comprehensive knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, capture and enrichment, PCR, and real-time PCR.
• Hands-on experience in wet lab work related to conventional and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and template preparation.
• Proficiency in sequencing using platforms such as lon 55, Nanopore, and PacBio Sequel ll.
• Proficiency in computer applications for word processing, data analysis, and graphical presentation.
• Experience in analyzing NGS data using the Linux operating system.
• Enthusiasm for and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with proficiency in English.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with keen attention to detail and thorough documentation skills.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset

 

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements