Consultant - Researcher Soil Nutrient Use and Crop Quality

IAEA; Seibersdorf; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The IAEA research team at the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria, seeks a doctoral-level researcher to advance nutrient use efficiency, crop nutrition quality, and climate resilience using nuclear techniques.

You will identify research priorities, develop protocols, coordinate CRP activities, mentor PhD/MSc students, and disseminate findings through peer‑reviewed publications and conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Physics, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum five years of post-doctoral experience in plant nutrition, nutrient use efficiency, or soil fertility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research to advance nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity and nutritional quality.
• Coordinate CRP research activities and supervise PhD/MSc students.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Develop protocols, SOPs, and guidelines; support meetings and workshops.

Skills

Coordination

Publications

Presentation

Communication

Microsoft Office

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Soil Science/ Agronomy/ Physics/ Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organizational context: The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, through its Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, supports Member States in enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture using nuclear and isotopic techniques. The Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory, located in Seibersdorf, Austria, focuses on improving soil and water management practices for intensified agricultural production, resource conservation, and efficient input use through research, development, and capacity building.

Job purpose: This consultancy, based at the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory, will conduct research and development to advance knowledge on nutrient use efficiency, crop nutritional quality, and climate resilience. Utilizing nuclear and related techniques, the role involves identifying research priorities, developing and implementing protocols, coordinating activities within a Coordinated Research Project (CRP), fostering collaboration among international institutes and students, and disseminating findings through scientific publications. The position contributes to improving agricultural practices and food security.

Responsibilities: Conduct field and laboratory research to enhance nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity, and nutritional quality in cereals, while improving resilience to climate change. Focus on key nutrients (N, P, Zn, Fe, S) using nuclear and related techniques. Provide technical expertise for identifying research topics and developing/implementing research protocols within the CRP framework. Advise and support the coordination of CRP research activities, including those of PhD and MSc students. Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences. Offer technical support for developing protocols, guidelines, and SOPs. Contribute technical input to meetings, workshops, and discussions with CRP participants and partners.

Education: An advanced (PhD) university degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field is required. Relevant certifications are also considered.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of relevant post-doctoral experience is required in plant nutrition, nutrient use efficiency, crop nutritional quality, or soil fertility. Experience in nutrient dynamics, plant-soil interactions, crop nutrient management, statistical analysis, laboratory and field trial design, and the application of isotopic/nuclear techniques is essential.

Skills: Demonstrated ability to coordinate research and collaborate internationally. Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Good presentation and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Excellent English communication skills.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish