Consultant – Microbial Biofilms on Marine Plastics

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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 IAEA Environment Laboratories Division consists of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine, terrestrial and atmospheric environmental processes and dynamics, and to identify and address environmental problems caused by radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants and climate change. The Radioecology Laboratory's mission is to improve knowledge about the behaviour and fate of radionuclides and other contaminants in the environment, with a particular emphasis on the biosphere. It aims to assist and enhance Member States' capabilities in the field of radioecology and its applications to ecotoxicology and biogeochemistry.

Main Purpose

The main purpose of this consultancy is to work on the development and optimization of experiments using nuclear and derived techniques to investigate the role of biofilm in the fate and transport of marine plastics in marine animals, with an emphasis on interactions of microorganisms on biofilms. The work of the consultant will be carried out within the framework of the IAEA's Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) Project on marine plastics.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The incumbent shall:

• Develop new nuclear-based methods to assess the character and role of biofilms in the sorptive properties of marine plastic particles and associated co-contaminants.
• Design and conduct an experiment to evaluate plastic biofilm growth and decay using radiotracers.
• Prepare a standard operational procedure on biofilm development and on microplastic particles.
• Produce timely and high-quality data and technical reports on relevant results and interpretations.
• Present relevant research findings at international fora and stakeholder meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required -

• Experimental Radioecology

Assets -

• Isotopes and Radiotracers in Ecotoxicology and Pollution Studies

• Radioecology

• Biogeochemistry

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced University degree in Radioecology, (Marine) Microbiology, Environmental sciences or a related scientific field with a demonstrated knowledge in the field of experimental sciences related to marine plastics research.
• Proven working-experience in the biofilm characterization.
• Practical or theoretical experience with radiolabelling experiments.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with proven ability to write and edit reports as well as to make oral presentations.
• Working knowledge of French is an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 250, 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.