Laboratory Head (Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab)(P5) - (2025/0461 (005289))

Organization: NAFA-Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory

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

Job Posting: 2025-09-03, 3:55:40 AM

Closing Date: 2025-09-23, 4:59:00 PM

Duration in Months: 36

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Regular

Probation Period: 1 Year

Full Competitive Recruitment: Yes

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

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 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 Plant Breeding and Genetics Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development of mutation induction methodologies and integrated applications of mutation breeding techniques for crop improvement and biodiversity, contributing to the sustainable intensification of crop production systems.
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 Plant Breeding and Genetics Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development of mutation induction methodologies and integrated applications of mutation breeding techniques for crop improvement and biodiversity, contributing to the sustainable intensification of crop production systems.

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 activities of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory 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 areas of plant mutation breeding and application of related biotechnologies.

Role

The Head of Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab is: (i) a team leader, ensuring the 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 the efficient and effective organization and implementation of the PBGL's R&D activities in the area of plant mutation breeding, training and service activities for Member States; (iii) a technical specialist, providing technical expertise in application of plant mutation breeding technology and the 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 area of plant mutation breeding and genetics.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Ensure full coordination and transparency in all activities and deliberations of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory 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.

Leads the development, improvement and adaptation of technologies in the area of plant mutation breeding and genetics for sustainable intensification of crop production systems and increasing biodiversity through innovative R&D approaches.

Plan and implement the programmatic activities of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory through the 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 strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in Member State research laboratories.

Ensure and promote visibility and impact of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory's activities in supporting Member States.

Generate and provide scientific and technical inputs to the policy and standards development of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division and other national and international bodies (e.g. FAO, WHO, CGIAR centres).

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Name

Definition

Planning and Organizing

Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.

Communication

Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others 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 his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.

Teamwork

Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

Name

Definition

Analytical thinking

Analyses information to identify cause and effect relationships and correlations. Identifies critical elements and assesses consequences of different courses of action and proposes solutions.

Knowledge sharing and learning

Actively seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge and information with others; shares specialized knowledge, skills and learning from experience across different situations and contexts effectively.

Technical/scientific credibility

Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Required Expertise

Function

Name

Expertise Description

Bioscience

Plant Breeding and Genetics

Expertise in applied research at both laboratory and field levels to carry out mutation breeding projects and technology extension activities.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Master's Degree - Advanced university degree or equivalent degree in Plant Breeding or a related discipline. PhD would be an advantage.
A minimum of ten years of experience in plant breeding and/or research on the application of breeding technology and relevant biotechnologies that promote crop improvement. Experience in mutation breeding an asset.
Experience in contributing to policy development and priority setting in the implementation of crop improvement programmes and/or strategies.
Experience in the application of biotechnologies for plant breeding, such as advanced genomic technologies and marker assisted selection. Background in tissue culture and doubled haploidy an asset
Experience in carrying out plant breeding activities in the field. Working experience in tropical agriculture an asset.
Experience in project and laboratory management, and in technology transfers for developing countries.
Experience in high quality research related to plant breeding and genetics as evidenced in peer-reviewed publications.
Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $101540 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 56761*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks' annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions

General Information

The IAEA's paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member 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 a person's race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
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 members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
Staff members may be assigned to any location.
Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.