Plant Breeder / Geneticist (Plant Breeding %26 Genetics Lab) (P3)

Vienna

Organization: IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
Location: Vienna
Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Biology and Chemistry
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Technology, Electronics and Mechanics
- Criminology, Extremism, Police Affairs and Anti-Corruption
- Nuclear Technology
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory
- Energy sector
Closing Date: Closed

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 Division 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 Division 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 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 Division 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 Division 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 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

â¢ Devise robust and transferable strategies for the efficient generation and identification of induced crop mutants.
â¢ Conduct experiments and devise strategies aimed at the development of methodologies for the enhancement of the efficiency of mutation induction for the purpose of breeding.
â¢ Assume responsibility for high-throughput phenotyping and devise strategies for in vivo and in vitro phenotype characterization assays for both internal and external requesters.
â¢ Analyse morphological data using appropriate platforms, including bioinformatics algorithms, using appropriate computer-based programs.
â¢ 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.
â¢ 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.
â¢ Support Technical Cooperation projects by scientific and technical backstopping in the field of excellence of the incumbent.
â¢ 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

Name	Definition

Planning and Organizing	Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Sectionâs 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/Divisionâs 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 Agencyâs 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.

Required Expertise

Function

Name

Expertise Description

Plant Science

Plant Diseases Control

Working knowledge of plant pests and disease and their control methods.

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 relevant biotechnologies, that enhance the efficiency of plant breeding such as in vitro double haploid techniques or molecular marker applications.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

â¢ Bachelor's Degree - University degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a related discipline. Advanced university degree an advantage.

â¢ 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.
â¢ 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 $60962 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 30908, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

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Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are 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. Staff members may be assigned to any location. 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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process
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