Consultant - Functional Genomics and Precision Genetics for Trait Discovery and Utilization

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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.

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

The expert should provide proven skills and experience in functional genomics approaches for studying gene function. This would entail proficiency in plant transformation techniques, tissue culture, and regeneration protocols for both model and crop plants. Expertise in molecular cloning techniques, including golden gate cloning and Gibson assemblies and in designing and constructing expression vectors for genetic manipulation. In addition, the consultant will establish enabling technology platform for implementing Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) pipelines for functional studies in plants. The consultant is expected to act as a technical expert in scientific research and effectively communicate complex concepts to others and closely work with internal teams and external partners to develop cutting-edge organizational capabilities, leveraging expertise and professional connections. Experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, including amplicon sequencing or targeted enrichment sequencing for high-throughput mutation detection.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Develop molecular marker techniques, including Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR), Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences (CAPS), Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP), and Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) based markers for ongoing activities in PBGL
• Provide technical input to the LH in establishing functional genomics platform for studying gene function and implementing CRISPR/Cas9 pipelines for functional studies in plants (model and or crop species)
• Design and construct of expression vectors, molecular cloning techniques, including golden gate cloning and Gibson assembly.
• Build capacities of laboratory staff on CRISPR/Cas9 design principles, target selection, and various delivery methods and troubleshooting including to detect and characterize CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations.
• To provide technical expertise to the ongoing activities in next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, including amplicon sequencing or targeted enrichment sequencing for high-throughput mutation detection.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Plant Biotechnology
• Somatic Effects of Radiation an asset

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree in Bioscience, Plant Breeding and Genetics, and/or Plant Biotechnology
• Minimum two years of experience post M.Sc. or Ph.D. in the field of Plant Pathology or Plan Breeding and Genetics
• Able to plan and execute glass house/field experiments with robust experimental designs
• Experience in screening for diseases in seed crops is preferred
• Proven writing skills in scientific literature

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.