Overview
Job Description - Laboratory Head (Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab) (P5). Primary location: Austria, Seibersdorf (IAEA Laboratories). Duration: 36 months, Fixed Term - Regular. The selected candidate will lead the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (PBGL) within the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, aligning activities with subprogramme objectives and managing R&D, capacity building and laboratory services for Member States in plant mutation breeding and related biotechnologies.
Main Purpose
As the Head of Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (PBGL) and with the programmatic direction of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, the Laboratory Head ensures that the PBGL activities are aligned with the subprogramme objectives. The Laboratory Head will manage and lead the R&D activities, capacity building and laboratory service for Member States in plant mutation breeding and related biotechnologies.
Role
The Head of Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab is: (i) a team leader, ensuring efficient and effective management of facilities (including laboratories, glasshouse and field), financial resources and staff in line with quality management standards and a results-based approach; (ii) a technical leader, ensuring efficient and effective organization and implementation of PBGL\'s R&D activities in plant mutation breeding, training and service activities for Member States; (iii) a technical specialist, providing technical expertise in plant mutation breeding technology and operation of analytical facilities; (iv) a technical officer, promoting, coordinating and evaluating Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) and providing technical support to Technical Cooperation Projects (TCPs) in plant mutation breeding and genetics.
Functions / Key Results Expected
* Ensure full coordination and transparency in all PBGL activities and deliberations with internal and external stakeholders.
* Contribute to the strategic direction, programming and budgeting of the subprogramme on Crop Improvement for Intensification of Agricultural Production System.
* Lead the development, improvement and adaptation of technologies in plant mutation breeding and genetics for sustainable intensification of crop production and biodiversity through innovative R&D approaches.
* Plan and implement programmatic activities of PBGL through efficient management of human, physical and financial resources.
* Provide laboratory support to IAEA Coordinated Research Projects and Technical Cooperation Projects, while building and maintaining strong partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders in Member State research laboratories.
* Ensure and promote visibility and impact of PBGL activities in supporting Member States.
* Generate and provide scientific and technical inputs to policy and standards development of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division and other international bodies (e.g., FAO, WHO, CGIAR centres).
Planning and Organizing
Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of team or Section priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.
Communication
Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Listens to and understands others\' perspectives 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 results realistically, drawing lessons learned.
Teamwork
Active contribution to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.
Knowledge and Competencies
Name Definition
Analytical thinking: Analyses information to identify cause and effect relationships. Identifies critical elements and proposes solutions.
Knowledge sharing and learning: Actively seeks learning opportunities and shares knowledge and information with others across contexts.
Technical/scientific credibility: Ensures work meets internationally accepted professional standards and methods; provides credible information.
Required Expertise
Function
Name
Bioscience Plant Breeding and Genetics: Expertise in applied research at laboratory and field levels to carry out mutation breeding projects and technology extension activities.
Qualifications, Experience and Language Skills
Master\'s Degree or advanced degree in Plant Breeding or related discipline. PhD would be an advantage.
A minimum of ten years of experience in plant breeding and/or research on breeding technology and related biotechnologies; experience in mutation breeding is an asset.
Experience in policy development and priority setting for crop improvement programmes and/or strategies.
Experience in applying biotechnologies for plant breeding (e.g., advanced genomic technologies and marker-assisted selection). Background in tissue culture and doubled haploidy is an asset.
Experience in field plant breeding and tropical agriculture is an asset. Experience in project and laboratory management and technology transfer for developing countries. High-quality research in plant breeding and genetics with peer-reviewed publications.
Excellent English (oral and written). Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
EEO and Recruitment Statement
* The IAEA\'s paramount consideration in recruitment is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
* Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language or other characteristics.
* The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
* Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA adheres to core UN ethical standards: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
* The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with UN/IAEA aims.
Evaluation process
* The evaluation of applicants will be based on the information submitted in the application and the stated selection criteria. Evaluation may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
* Candidates under serious consideration may be subject to reference and background checks.
Appointment information
* Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
* Staff may be assigned to any location.
* Appointment at Professional and higher categories may be subject to rotation policy and a maximum tour of service of seven years.
* IAEA reserves the right not to appoint, to appoint at a lower grade or different contract type, or to modify the job description or duration.
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