Consultant - Analytical Chemistry for Microplastic Contaminant Detection in Food - (TAL-NAFA20250716-001)

Organization: NAFA-Food Safety and Control Laboratory

Primary Location: Austria-Lower Austria-Seibersdorf-IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf

Job Posting: 2025-07-29, 6:27:47 AM

Closing Date: 2025-08-12, 4:59:00 PM

Duration in Months: 6

Contract Type: Special Service Agreement - SSA

Full Competitive Recruitment: No

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 and environmental protection.

Main Purpose

The main purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to the development of analytical methods for the detection, identification and quantification of microplastics in food employing the Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) - Microscopy technique, including sample preparation procedures, in support of the implementation of the workplan of the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) Project "Enhancing Research & Development {R&D} capabilities to monitor and control microplastics contamination in food and agriculture". This initiative is designed to tackle the challenges posed by the widespread microplastic contamination, with a dedicated emphasis on supporting Member States through the development, validation and transfer of analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics in food matrices.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provide expertise to the development of analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics
in food with the FT-IR Microscopy technique, including sample preparation procedures.
Contribute to the development of analytical method protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
Provide technical expertise to the preparation of training materials and presentations during the virtual training
workshop that will be organized under this Peaceful Uses Initiative project.
Support with the preparation of technical reports and scientific manuscripts for publication.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Food Science and Technology

Seafood Safety

Qualifications and Experience

University degree (bachelor) in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry or a related field.
Minimum two yrs of practical R&D experience in the development of analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics in various matrices, including food, using FT-IR Microscopy, as well as in relevant sample preparation procedures.
Experience in the preparation of technical reports and scientific publications.
Experience in handling and interpreting analytical data.
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 € 150, 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.