IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant”s location.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA”s Major Programme 2, “Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection”. This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme”s objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA”s Major Programme 2, “Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection”. This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme”s objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control.
The Plant Breeding and Genetics Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development of mutation induction methodologies and integrated applications of mutation breeding techniques for crop improvement and biodiversity, contributing to the sustainable intensification of crop production systems.
The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA”s Major Programme 2, “Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection”. This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme”s objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control.
The Plant Breeding and Genetics Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development of mutation induction methodologies and integrated applications of mutation breeding techniques for crop improvement and biodiversity, contributing to the sustainable intensification of crop production systems.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision and guidance of the Laboratory Head, the Plant Breeder/Geneticist carries out innovative R&D activities, and provides services and training in the context of induced crop mutagenesis, incorporating the use of nuclear and related techniques for the efficient and targeted generation of superior crop varieties.

Role

As an active member of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory, the Plant Breeder/Geneticist is (1) a collaborative team member, applying scientific knowledge to the adaptation of technologies to suit identified needs in Member States, and (2) a scientific specialist, making informed proposals on strategies for addressing specific technical issues.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Devise robust and transferable strategies for the efficient generation and identification of induced crop mutants in seed and vegetatively propagated crops.

Conduct experiments and devise strategies aimed at the development of methodologies for the enhancement of the efficiency of mutation induction, support design and implementation of conventional and marker assisted mutation breeding pipelines

Assume responsibility for high-throughput phenotyping for biotic and abiotic traits and devise strategies for in vivo and in vitro characterization assays for both internal and external requesters.

Develop methods for early generation selection for key crop improvement traits, including integration of speed breeding and predictive breeding methodologies

Analyse morphological data using appropriate platforms, including bioinformatics algorithms, using appropriate statistical methods and programs.

Contribute to individual and group training activities of scientists from Member States and to the supervision of support staff of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory in the areas of mutation induction and phenotypic characterization of mutants.

Support and contribute to the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of coordinated research projects in the fields of mutation techniques in crop improvement and genomics.

Support Technical Cooperation projects by scientific and technical backstopping in the field of excellence of the incumbent.

Publish research in international, peer-reviewed journals, prepare internal documents, laboratory guidelines and protocols, and participate in scientific meetings and conferences.

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 Judgement/decision making Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards. Partnership building Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals. Technical/scientific credibility Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Asset Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Plant Science Crop Production Extensive experience with practical plant breeding including cultivar development, phenotyping methods and the use of nuclear techniques for crop improvement. Plant Science Plant Biotechnology Knowledge of elevant biotechnologies, that enhance the efficiency of plant breeding such as in vitro double haploid techniques or molecular marker applications. Plant Science Plant Diseases Control Working knowledge of plant pests and disease and their control methods.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Bachelor”s Degree – University degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a related discipline. Advanced university degree an advantage.

• Minimum five years of postgraduate experience in research on the application of induced mutagenesis for breeding, or other technologies relevant to crop improvement in a national or international setting.
• Strong publication record in international, peer-reviewed journals.

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

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $70212 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 38266*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks” annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions

General Information

• The IAEA”s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person”s race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
• The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
• Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
• The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

• The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
• Staff members may be assigned to any location.
• Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
• The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.