Consultant - Biologicals for Crop Resilience and Protection

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 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

The aim of this consultancy is to develop a pipeline for the screening and mutation of microorganisms for use in
agriculture to improve plant performance against biotic and abiotic stress. Using the example of Fusarium wilt and
banana, the knowledge gained in the screening of microbial mutants will be passed on to member states. Over next
year, PBG will organize workshops to provide member states with tools to generate mutations and to test them
effectively for their improved properties. To this end, protocols and handouts produced so that Member States
researchers are able to carry out the work independently at their home institutes. Also, the consultancy will contribute
to development of enabling tools and technologies for research on biologicals, selection and maintenance of suitable
microbial cultures and standardizing protocols for microbial mutation and mutant selection. Additional responsibilities
may include molecular characterization of the biological agents; data analysis; and development of Special Operating
Procedures (SOPs).

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Contribute to the selection of microorganisms for the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in
  Banana. Improving best strains by mutagenesis via gamma radiation and electron beam.
  
• Developing a fast and reliable screening system to find improve strains after mutation.
• Carry out the sequencing of wild and best mutant strains, to find the mode of actions and to check for the
  safe application in agriculture. Development of strain specific primers for the identification of the strain.
• Provide expertise in the development of protocols and handouts for workshops, leading one workshop.
• Provide technical expertise in the establishment of a microbial mutation and screening facility at the Plant
  Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (PBGL).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Plant Biotechnology

• Plant Breeding and Genetics

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced University Degree (master's) in Molecular Biology.

• Minimum five years experience in Microbiology, Molecular Biology.

• Expertise and proven knowledge and experience in the development of microorganisms for disease biocontrol. Knowledge in the isolation, characterization and testing of microorganisms for use in agriculture.

• Proficiency in all current molecular biology and microbial techniques. Experience in the field of microbe/plant interaction and testing of microorganisms in vitro and in planta.

• Knowledge on the safe selection of bacterial strains, to use in agriculture. Basic bioinformatics knowledge to analyze genomes and develop primers to detect the microorganism in planta.

• Mastery of data analysis in R.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 300, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.