Validation of new Medfly Genetic Sexing Strains under mass-rearing conditions

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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 Insect Pest Control Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development, dissemination and transfer of sterile insect and related environmentally friendly technologies for the area-wide integrated suppression, containment or eradication of major insect pests affecting crops, livestock and human health.

Main Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to access the genetic stability, production and quality control profile of a new developed sexing strain of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, including field cage competitiveness test. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with the leader of the plant pest group to assess new strategies to use the new sexing strains in large colonies.

Functions / Key Results Expected

- Plan and perform mass-rearing experiments including egg production, larva/pupae production - Conduct quality control tests and field cage tests to assess competitiveness of the new strain - Evaluate and analyse sterilization dose response - Assess and compare new strains with the conventional Vienna-8 sexing strain - Prepare a comprehensive report that describes the performance of these strains under mass-rearing conditions and provide recommendations on their potential utilization on SIT operational programs. - Finalize a draft publication for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required -

Core Competencies

Functional

Skills and Expertise

• Insect Pest Control

• Document Management

Language

• English

Assets -

Functional

Skills and Expertise

• Insect Pest Control

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree - University degree in agriculture, biology or related field
• At least five years experience with the mass-rearing of the Mediterranean fruit fly
• At least five years experience with quality control procedures
• At least five years experience with field cage studies

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 309.5, 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.