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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 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
To enhance the capabilities of Member States in fruit crop improvement, this consultancy will contribute to test
diverse micropropagation methods for multiplication, and handling of Member States fruit crop samples for
irradiation. As well, contribute to the evaluation of nutritional quality in crop samples. All standard procedures for
sample handling, micropropagation, storage and irradiation of micropropagated samples as well as will be recorded
in a standard operation procedure for the Plant Breeding Genetics Laboratory. This consultancy will contribute to the
streamlining of the use of nuclear techniques to enhance genetic diversity in Member States and the facilitation of
access to essential irradiation services from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other institutions.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Provide technical expertise in testing and optimising methods for in vitro culture/micropropagation of fruit
crops (citrus and avocado). Carry out radiosensitivity test to determine the adequate dose for mutation induction in fruit crops (citrus
and avocado) in collaboration with Member States. Processing samples for irradiation of vegetatively propagated crops with especial emphasis on fruit crops in
collaboration with Member States. Processing Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) related samples in collaboration with Member States. Provide expertise in elaborating standard operating procedures for material preparation and handling,
spanning in vitro propagation, multiplication, and readiness for irradiation of in vitro propagated crops with
special emphasis on fruit crops. As well as sample processing and evaluations of nutritional quality.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Qualifications and Experience
University degree (bachelor) in Biology, Plant Sciences, Food Science, Industrial/Biological Engineering, or related disciplines. -
Minimum two years of experience in\:
In-vitro culture of vegetatively propagated crops considering adequate phytosanitary and quality standards, with preferred experience in working with fruit crops and or woody crops; and Experience in plant biotechnology, breeding and/or genetics.
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First author publications on related topics would be an asset.
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Good 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 ⬠200, 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.
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