Consultancy -Strengthening Capacity in Veterinary Laboratories

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 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

The purpose of the consultancy is to strengthen the research and development activities of the Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL) on transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases, in particular -although not exclusively- Peste des Petites Ruminants (PPR), Avian Influenza (AI), Newcastle Disease (ND) and other poultry viral diseases, African Swine Fever (ASAF). Sequencing the genome of viral and bacterial pathogens is essential to characterize the microorganisms genetically, identify their taxa/lineages/clades and their origin as well. This information is vital to understand the spread of the disease and formulate interventional strategies for effective control, including appropriate selection of vaccine or challenge strains. Pathogen genome sequencing technology requires specialized expertise in developing a pipeline of procedures and validating protocols. The VETLAB Network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories established by IAEA in Africa and Asia supports capacity building, technology transfer and early disease detection and control. The incumbent is expected to conduct and strengthen the APHL activities in these areas through Technical Cooperation and VETLAB network-supported projects. The activities the incumbent will perform at APHL will improve and strengthen the pathogen detection capabilities in Member States (MS) through training, supervision of fellows and interns, external quality assessments.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Expand the repository of PPR/AI/ND viruses for whole genome sequencing, lineage identification and genetic characterization;
• Conduct laboratory analysis for pathogen characterization and provide technical expertise to the development or validation of new laboratory assays;
• Submit genome sequence data to public databases and disseminate results through seminars, trainings, reports;
• Transfer knowledge of the diagnostic and molecular epidemiological tools for PPR/AI/ND/ASAF and other important transboundary animal diseases;
• Facilitate training to strengthen capabilities of Member States in pathogen detection and characterization;
• Conduct inter-laboratory trials for the examination of PPR and other important transboundary animal diseases;
• Provide technical advice and guidance for the member states under PUI-Asia and PUI-Africa (VETLAB Network) to implement disease diagnostic and molecular epidemiological tools;
• Write and publish manuscripts on animal and zoonotic diseases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Animal Diseases

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Biological Sciences or Microbiology or related fields.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in veterinary laboratory, virology and molecular epidemiology of animal infectious diseases.
• Experience in working in high security microbiological laboratories (BSL3).
• Experience in preparing and conducting international ring trials and trainings.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 238,1, 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.