Consultant – Soil Science Researcher - (TAL-NAFA20250603-001)

Organization: NAFA-Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section

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

Job Posting: 2025-09-04, 2:50:04 AM

Closing Date: 2025-09-18, 4:59:00 PM

Duration in Months: 12

Contract Type: Special Service Agreement - SSA

Full Competitive Recruitment: No

This is a re-opening of the vacancy. There is no need to re-apply, previous applications are still under consideration.

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 Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory assist Member States in developing improved soil and water management practices for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the conservation of natural resources and the effective use of external inputs through applied and adaptive research and development activities, technology transfer and capacity building.

Main Purpose

This consultancy at the Soil Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory (SWMCNL) focuses on carrying out R&D activities over a period of five years to develop new knowledge and technologies to address key challenges within the CRP including soil salinization, declining soil fertility, nutrient dynamics from polyhalites using nuclear and related techniques. The aim is to identify and address key research topics; publish the results in scientific journals, provide technical support to publish protocols, facilitate and contribute to technical meetings.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Carry out R&D activities in the field and lab in the thematic areas of soil salinisation, soil sodification, nutrient dynamics, and soil fertility;
Identify and address key research topics withing the area of CRP framework;
Publish the results in scientific journals and present at scientific conferences;
Provide technical support to publish protocols, guidelines and SOPs;
Facilitate and contribute to technical meetings and discussions with research partners;
Travel to other Member States to participate in Research Coordination meetings, workshops and field studies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Soil and Water Management

Qualifications and Experience

Advanced university degree (Doctorate Degree) in Soil Science, Agronomy or any relevant field.
Minimum two years' of relevant post-doctoral experience in any of the below areas:
- Experience in working on soil salinity, biochemical processes, nutrient dynamics and soil fertility.
- Experience in statistical analysis.
- Working experience in laboratory and field trial management and set up.
A proven record of publication in peer-reviewed international journals.
Good presentation skills at scientific meetings.
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office package.
Experience in working on climate change issues specifically with respect to climate smart agricultural practices will be an asset.
Good analytical skills using isotopic and nuclear related techniques is an asset.
Good knowledge of oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 237, 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.