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Consultant - Laboratory Scientist - Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Seibersdorf | Vienna | Monaco

  • Organization: IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
  • Location: Seibersdorf | Vienna | Monaco
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Biology and Chemistry
    • Scientist and Researcher
  • Closing Date: Closed

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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 and environmental protection.

The Animal Production and Health Section and Laboratory assist Member States in improving livestock productivity through the efficient use of locally available feed resources, reproduction and breeding practices, and disease diagnostic tools and control measures.



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

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 238.09, 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.

This vacancy is now closed.