Molecular Geneticist (Plant Breeding & Genetics Lab)(P4)

Job Description - Molecular Geneticist (Plant Breeding & Genetics Lab)(P4) (2024/0385 (020244))

Organization

NAFA-Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory

Primary Location

Austria-Lower Austria-Seibersdorf-IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf

Job Posting

2025-04-03, 7:01:24 AM

Closing Date

2025-04-27, 9:59:00 PM

Duration in Months : 36

Contract Type : Fixed Term - Regular

This is a re-opening of the vacancy. Candidates who already applied do not need to re-submit an application.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

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

The Molecular Geneticist, as a member of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Subprogramme, and reporting to the Head of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (PBGL), carries out adaptive research to accelerate the development of superior crop varieties through mutation breeding. Specifically, the main purpose of this function is to develop molecular genetics and genomics protocols and products, including molecular markers, that can accelerate plant mutation breeding for traits of agronomic interest.

Role

The Molecular Geneticist is: (1) a Technical Specialist applying tools and techniques to map and/or identify mutations of agronomic interest in crops generated through mutation breeding, with a focus on genotype-based techniques; (2) a Technical Officer ensuring the development of protocols and products for dissemination to partners in IAEA/FAO Member States, and assisting in the implementation and evaluation of Technical Cooperation projects; (3) a team member working closely with colleagues from the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Develop or adapt methodologies for the rapid identification of mutants with improved characteristics, focusing on genotype-based assays, such as whole genome sequencing and the development of molecular markers, as applied to crop mutation breeding.
2. Drive genotypic data analysis (such as genetic mapping, genome-wide association, and genomic prediction) alongside working with plant breeder(s) to derive trait insights, development and transfer of marker assays ensuring continuous improvement of marker-trait associations.
3. Drive design of genotyping platforms, deployment of genomic resources/technologies and curation of relevant tools.
4. Provide technical guidance to laboratory technicians, students or Fellows in the areas of induced mutations, including molecular characterization of mutants.
5. Develop and implement Coordinated Research Projects in his/her area of expertise, including the evaluation of research contracts and agreements and preparation of meeting reports and other relevant documents.
6. Contribute to technology transfer supported by the IAEA Technical Cooperation programme by developing project concepts, work plans, and implementation of training courses, participating in field missions and training fellows in the field of molecular genetics and plant breeding.
7. Prepare internal documents, laboratory guidelines and protocols, publish research results in peer-reviewed journal articles, present research results at workshops and scientific meetings.
8. Assist the Laboratory's endeavours in generating extra budgetary funding including for joint, multi-stakeholder research and development programmes.
9. Undertake field missions relating to project execution.
10. Perform other activities in support of the implementation of sub programme activities as directed by the Laboratory Head.

Planning and Organizing

Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s 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/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.

Teamwork

Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Required Expertise

1. Function: Information Management Analysis - Demonstrated skills in analysis of large, diverse and complex datasets, and data visualization, possess good scripting skills in Python / R, and be able to develop bespoke scientific workflows where required.
2. Function: Information Technology Data Analysis - Strong background in bioinformatics/computational biology; advanced data fluency, including experience with open-source programming languages.
3. Function: Plant Science Plant Biotechnology - Knowledge of whole genome sequencing and development/application of molecular markers for plant breeding.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Master's Degree - Advanced University degree in plant genetics, molecular genetics or related biotechnology sciences.

Minimum 7 years of experience in research on the development and application of molecular marker techniques and related genomic strategies for crop improvement.
Experience in analysing next generation sequencing data (e.g. microbial and plant genome assembly & annotation; metabarcoding; metagenomics; metabolomics; transcriptomics); experience of working with plants and polyploid genomes is desirable.
Practical field experience in plant breeding and/or the integrated application of induced mutagenesis as part of crop improvement a strong asset.
Experience in R&D project management and fund raising desirable.
Track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Evaluation process

1. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
2. Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

1. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
2. Staff members may be assigned to any location.
3. Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
4. 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.