JOB DESCRIPTION

Main Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the Head, Insect Pest Control Laboratory and direct supervision of the Molecular Biologist, and in close cooperation with the Medical Entomologist, the Laboratory Technician will provide technical support to the research activities at the IPCL towards the development of sterile insect technique-based approaches for the population control of insect species by rearing and maintaining colonies, isolating and characterizing phenotopic markers for the development of genetic sexing strains for insect species, and providing assistance in the implementation of experimental protocols.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Following established processes and standards, the Laboratory Technician will:

(1) rear and maintain insect laboratory colonies (including preparation of diet, collection of eggs, putting larvae in the trays, setting-up of rearing cages, feeding of adults, separating males from females, and cleaning of the cages);
(2) perform routine screening for phenotypic markers and characterizing the lines for the development of genetic sexing strains for insect species;
(3) conduct pre-defined methods to irradiate the selected lines to induce the necessary translocations towards the development of genetic sexing strains for insect species.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Name Definition   Planning and Organizing Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.   Communication Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.   Achieving Results Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.   Teamwork Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

Name Definition   Analytical thinking Gathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions.   Client orientation Establishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction.   Knowledge sharing and learning Actively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Completed secondary education. Specialized training or education in the subject area an advantage.

Minimum three years of experience with the rearing and maintaining of mosquito colonies or other insect colonies.

Experience in a laboratory environment.

Experience with the screening of phenotypic markers and standardised irradiation procedures an asset.

Experience working in an international environment an asset.

Good oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Administrative skills testing to IAEA standard might be part of the selection process.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements