Overview
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 programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies, supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme aims to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage marine and terrestrial environments through nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists FAO and IAEA Member States in using nuclear techniques to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections with laboratories located in Seibersdorf 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.
Main Purpose
Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory, the consultant will provide technical expertise to the research and development activities carried out by the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. The work contributes to Coordinated Research and Technical Cooperation projects focused on improving soil and water management using nuclear and related techniques. The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical and analytical input for developing, optimizing, and validating laboratory methods for soil and water analysis. This supports the IAEA's objective to strengthen Member States' capacities in sustainably managing natural resources for food and agriculture, and contributes to addressing global challenges such as land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change.
Functions / Key Results Expected
* Provide expertise in enhancing analytical protocols by conducting and documenting at least two greenhouse/laboratory trials using Gamma Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-IRMS), Laser Isotope Analysis, and Infrared Spectrometry, to validate and optimize methods for soil and water chemical analysis.
* Contribute to the integration of data science tools by developing at least two reproducible scripts or workflows in data science programming languages such as R or Python for processing, visualizing, and interpreting analytical data (e.g. isotopic ratios, infrared spectral data), supporting quality control and reporting for research and training outputs.
* Provide training to staff and fellows in best practices for instrument use, data archiving, and basic data analysis.
* Provide technical expertise for the training of equipment for soil and water chemical analyses in Member States upon request.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
* Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition
Qualifications And Experience
* University degree (bachelor) in agricultural sciences, soil science, analytical chemistry or field related to the duties of the post.
* Minimum two years of experience in the use of isotopic and nuclear and related techniques, for analysing soil and water matrices relevant in improving soil and water management, with particular emphasis on Gamma Spectroscopy, GC-IRMS, Laser Isotope Analysis, and Infrared Spectrometry.
* Experience with computer applications related to laboratory equipment, and experimental statistics, using R or Python.
* Experience in the use of isotope and related techniques related to soil degradation and/or microbiology is an asset.
* Driving license (Austrian or recognized by Austria) is an asset.
* Good oral and written command of 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 € 200, 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.
Organization
NAFA-Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory
Location and Dates
Primary Location: Austria-Lower Austria-Seibersdorf-IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf
Job Posting: 2025-09-03, 2:41:45 PM
Closing Date: 2025-09-17, 11:59:00 PM
Contract Details
Duration in Months: 6
Contract Type: Special Service Agreement - SSA
Full Competitive Recruitment: No
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