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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
Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory, the
consultant will provide technical expertise to the research and development activities carried out by the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear
Techniques in Food and Agriculture. The work contributes to Coordinated Research and Technical Cooperation
projects focused on improving soil and water management using nuclear and related techniques.
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical and analytical input for developing, optimizing, and
validating laboratory methods for soil and water analysis. This directly supports the IAEA's objective to strengthen
Member States' capacities in sustainably managing natural resources for food and agriculture, and contributes to
addressing global challenges such as land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Provide expertise in enhancing analytical protocols by conducting and documenting at least two
greenhouse/laboratory trials using Gamma Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass
Spectrometry (GC-IRMS), Laser Isotope Analysis, and Infrared Spectrometry, to validate and optimize
methods for soil and water chemical analysis. Contribute to the integration of data science tools by developing at least two reproducible scripts or
workflows in data science programming languages such as Ror Python for processing, visualizing, and
interpreting analytical data (e.g. isotopic ratios, infrared spectral data), supporting quality control and
reporting for research and training outputs. Provide training to staff and fellows in best practices for instrument use, data archiving, and
basic data analysis. Provide technical expertise for the training of equipment for soil and water chemical analyses in Member
States upon request.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Qualifications and Experience
University degree (bachelor) in agricultural sciences, soil science, analytical chemistry or field related to the duties of the post. Minimum two years of experience in the use of isotopic and nuclear and related techniques, for analysing soil and water matrices relevant in improving soil and water management, with particular emphasis on Gamma Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-IRMS), Laser Isotope Analysis, and Infrared Spectrometry. Experience with computer applications related to laboratory equipment, and experimental statistics, using Ror Python. Experience in the use of isotope and related techniques related to soil degradation and/or microbiology is an asset. Driving license (Austrian or recognized by Austria) is an asset. -
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 ⬠200, 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.
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