Food Irradiation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that works to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent its use for military purposes. Established in 1957, the IAEA has a mission to enhance global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through the application of nuclear science and technology. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's Major Programme 2 focuses on 'Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection', which includes various programs aimed at improving food security, human health, and environmental protection through nuclear techniques.

Job Overview:
The Food Irradiation Specialist will be a key member of a team within the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, specifically focusing on the application of food irradiation technologies. This role involves coordinating research and providing technical and advisory services related to food safety and quality. The specialist will be responsible for developing standards and guidelines for food irradiation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and enhancing the capabilities of Member States in utilizing these technologies. The position requires a proactive approach to research coordination, public outreach, and collaboration with international organizations to promote the benefits of food irradiation in improving food safety and quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Irradiation Specialist will be tasked with several critical functions, including: planning and implementing coordinated research projects on food irradiation; evaluating research contracts and publishing results; coordinating efforts with national and international organizations, including UN bodies; preparing and maintaining information on food irradiation in relevant databases; organizing panels, symposia, and training courses; serving in scientific missions; representing the IAEA at relevant meetings; and servicing the technical cooperation program by evaluating project requests and assisting with expert assignments and equipment purchases. These responsibilities are essential to achieving the subprogramme's objective of enhancing Member States' capabilities in food irradiation applications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in food irradiation, food science and technology, food chemistry, food microbiology, plant pathology, or a related field. A doctorate degree is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of work experience in food irradiation, with extensive international experience, particularly in developing countries. Experience in research and technology transfer related to irradiation applications, as well as familiarity with risk assessment procedures relevant to food control, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in relevant fields such as food irradiation, food science and technology, food chemistry, food microbiology, or plant pathology. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of food irradiation technologies and their applications in food safety and quality.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in food irradiation, with a strong emphasis on international experience, particularly in developing countries. Candidates should have a proven track record in research and technology transfer related to irradiation applications, as well as experience in the application of measurements to meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for food and agricultural commodities.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package, including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $84,672, along with a variable post adjustment, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, and relocation and repatriation expenses. Employees are entitled to six weeks of annual leave, home leave travel, and benefits such as a pension plan and health insurance. The IAEA is committed to gender equality and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries. Staff members are international civil servants and must adhere to the highest ethical standards, with a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination and harassment.