Laboratory Head (Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab)(P5)

Organizational Setting

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

table { border-collapse: collapse; } table, th, td { word-wrap: break-word; valign="top"; } 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

Advanced university degree (masters) 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 $90664 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 42612*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are 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. 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 with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------