Laboratory Technician (Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab) (G3)

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 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

As a member of a team led by the Head, Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory, the Laboratory Technician will provide technical support for the field and greenhouse activities and for the cellular biology activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Prepares and conducts greenhouse and field experiments supporting the Laboratory’s R&D activities and irradiation service according to established standard processes.
• Conducts routine in vitro plant cell and tissue culture experiments, including preparation of media and solutions according to established standard protocols.
• Monitors and records data related to standard measurements such as plant, and other parameters under field, greenhouse or in-vitro growth room conditions.
• Maintains and operates standard laboratory equipment to prepare media and solutions, including pH meter, sterilization equipment, flow benches, centrifuges etc.
• Documents and inputs experimental results in database.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

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 Gathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions. Client orientation Establishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction. Knowledge sharing and learning Actively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Completed secondary education
• Minimum of two years of relevant working experience.
• Experience in working in a laboratory environment, preferably in an international setting.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
• English language test (level 3) to IAEA Standards.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 37538 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance

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. 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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