Laboratory Technician (G-4) IAEA

Issue Date:	22 November 2011
Application Deadline:	19 December 2011
Type of Appointment:	Fixed term extrabudgetary (FAO funded) (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)
CCOG codes:	2.J.02

Organizational Setting

The Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is a joint division established between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is housed in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA in Vienna. The Joint Division assists Member States of FAO and IAEA to use nuclear techniques and related efficiency enhancing molecular and biotechnologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and to promote sustainable agriculture. It does so by coordinating and supporting research, providing technical and advisory services, laboratory support and training, and collecting, analysing and disseminating information. The Joint Division consists of five Sections, each with an associated Laboratory, 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. The Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory, an integral part of Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, assists Member States to produce, through the application of mutation induction and efficiency enhancing bio- and molecular technologies, novel plant varieties with increased yield, nutrient value and hardiness under adverse local conditions (e.g. biotic stress resistance, abiotic stress tolerance). It is located at the FAO/IAEA Agriculture & Biotechnology Laboratories in Seibersdorf, 45 km southeast of Vienna.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Laboratory Head, the Laboratory Technician conducts laboratory tests related to on-going research and development work in mutation discovery and the development and adaptation of technologies used to facilitate programme implementation in Member States. He/she is further involved the procurement for and maintenance of laboratory equipment, supporting overall operations. The Laboratory Technician plays a role in the training and development of fellows by administering and collecting practical exercises and evaluation criteria.

Working Relationships

The Laboratory Technician has frequent contact with Professionals and General Service staff within the division as well as throughout the Agency for day-to-day operations including on-going experimental work. He/she also has consistent contact with fellows and associates in organizing their research work, administering training material, and providing technical assistance as required. The Laboratory Technician has external contact with local suppliers in attaining equipment/material for the laboratory.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Use laboratory, glasshouse and field experiments to carry out routine phenotypic screens for useful mutants and use high throughput phenomics equipment. Produce mutant plants created using physical and chemical agents. Maintain and characterize in vivo and in vitro collections of mutant lines. Collect and consolidate research/lab results to assist with bioinformatics based data analyses. Document test results and assisted in developing protocols. Administer testing/experimental material to Fellows and other trainees in the laboratory to support the training process.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Good practical knowledge of various frequently used techniques in standard plant molecular biology laboratories including PCR-based and DNA sequencing techniques. Ability to use standard bioinformatics algorithms. Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting, with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to carry out assigned tasks in a timely manner under minimal supervision.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Completed secondary education with post-secondary education/training/work in agricultural and/or biological and/or related sciences. Minimum of five years of relevant working experience in a laboratory environment; preparing, handling and analysing plant samples. English language test (level 2) to IAEA standard. Proficiency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of other IAEA official languages (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or German an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €33 526 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), six weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance.

How to Apply

Internal and external applicants need to complete an IAEA Personal History Form. Internal applicants are required to apply online at https://personnel.iaea.org. External applicants are required to apply online at http://recruitment.iaea.org. You can find more information about employment opportunities and working at the IAEA at http://www.iaea.org/About/Jobs. No e-mail or hard-copy application will be accepted. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. Applications received after the application deadline will not be considered. Applicants who do not comply with the aforementioned application guidelines or do not meet the essential requirements specified in this Vacancy Notice will not be considered. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report. Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only. Outside applicants are required to supply to the IAEA or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the IAEA. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.