Consultant Reference Material for Biotoxins and Seafood Safety

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 IAEA Environment Laboratories consists of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division implements the IAEA Environment Programme and operates in a complex matrix environment with inputs from many parts of the organization, such as the Department of Technical Cooperation for the implementation of projects, and also collaborates with other Departments.

The Radioecology Laboratory's mission is to improve knowledge about the behaviour and fate of radionuclides and other contaminants in the environment, with a particular emphasis on the biosphere. It aims to assist and enhance Member States' capabilities in the field of radioecology and its applications to ecotoxicology and biogeochemistry.

Main Purpose

The consultant will work on methods development in the framework of the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) project Phase II on "Seafood safety\: Developing Tools for Improved Monitoring and Assessment of Regulated and Emerging Contaminants and Biotoxins". The consultant will contribute to the preparation of fish matrix reference material for the detection and quantification of biotoxins, and will provide a report on matrix characterization.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• To prepare and characterize fish matrix reference material for ciguatoxin monitoring and assess its stability and homogeneity.
• To perform toxin analysis using bioassays.
• To organise an interlaboratory exercise for the full characterisation of the reference material.
• Conduct statistical treatment of data.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Skills and Expertise

•    Biochemistry

•    Environmental Toxicology
  

Asset Skills and Expertise

•    Analytical Chemistry

•    Harmful Algal Bloom

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental sciences or a related scientific field.

• Working experience in the field of contaminant monitoring using analytical or biochemical methods.

• Working experience in the preparation of reference material.

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

• Publications in the fields of environmental toxicology or chemistry would be an advantage.

• Excellent command of written and spoken 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 € 150, 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.