Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors)
The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection", comprising 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 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 to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Insect Pest Control Section and Laboratory develop and transfer sterile insect techniques (SIT) for the area‑wide suppression, containment or eradication of major insect pests affecting crops, livestock and human health.
Main Purpose
Under the supervision of the Medical Entomologist, the Entomologist formulates and implements research and development activities related to the development of the SIT package for human disease vectors, and assists with the transfer of these technologies to Member States.
Role
* Contributor to the development of the SIT package for HDVs through research activities and coordinated research projects.
* Technical officer providing guidance to the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme for transfer and validation of SIT technologies to Member States.
* Project officer coordinating national, regional and inter‑regional projects under the IAEA technical cooperation programme.
* Trainer and technical support provider for fellows, visiting scientists, interns, etc.
* Contributor to normative activities such as development of protocols, manuals and guidelines.
Functions / Key Results Expected
* Develop, adapt and validate technologies for the control of HDVs within area‑wide integrated pest management programmes that incorporate the SIT.
* Introduce innovative R&D approaches for the SIT package in the insect pest control laboratory.
* Coordinate and implement national, regional and interregional projects under the IAEA technical cooperation programme.
* Promote, coordinate and evaluate CRPs related to the SIT package for HDVs.
* Provide technical support and guidance to visiting scientists, fellows and collaborators conducting R&D in support of SIT for HDVs.
* Contribute to the development of manuals, guidelines, books, brochures and standard operating procedures related to SIT for HDVs.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies
* Planning and Organizing – Plans and organizes work to achieve team or section priorities, considering potential changes and proposing contingency plans.
* Communication – Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise, impartial manner, listening to others and proposing solutions.
* Achieving Results – Initiates realistic outputs, clarifies roles, responsibilities and expected results, and evaluates outcomes realistically.
* Teamwork – Actively contributes to team results and supports team decisions.
Functional Competencies
* Analytical Thinking – Analyzes information to identify cause‑effect relationships, critical elements, and assesses consequences of different courses of action.
* Knowledge Sharing and Learning – Seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge and experience across situations and contexts.
* Technical/Scientific Credibility – Ensures work complies with international professional standards and scientific methods, providing credible and reliable information.
Required Expertise
* Disease Vectors Insect Pest Control – Extensive experience in mass‑rearing techniques of Human Disease Vectors with a focus on Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, quality control management, radiation protocols, dose‑mismatch, and field application of sterile insect technique.
Qualifications, Experience and Language Skills
* Bachelor's Degree – University degree in medical entomology or related biological sciences.
* Advanced university degree – An asset.
* At least 5 years of R&D experience with SIT for HDVs, preferably in an international setting and with field experience in technology transfer in developing countries.
* Thorough technical knowledge of HDV biology, mass‑rearing, quality control, radiation protocols, handling, release, trapping, monitoring and validation of genetic sexing strains.
* In‑depth knowledge of SIT principles combined with awareness of integrated area‑wide approaches to HDV control and of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms, including implementation of CRPs and TC projects.
* Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax‑free annual net base salary starting at US $71,335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment currently amounting to US $38,664, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses. Additional benefits include 6 weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance.
Equal Employment Opportunity
* The IAEA’s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff members is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
* Staff members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar characteristic.
* 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.
* IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards, including integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.
* The IAEA has a zero‑tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Job Details
* Primary Location: Austria – Lower Austria – Seibersdorf – IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf
* Contract Type: Fixed Term – Regular
* Probation Period: 1 Year
* Duration: 36 months
* Full Competitive Recruitment: Yes
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