Food Irradiation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that was established in 195

• It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and operates in over 170 countries. The IAEA's mission is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The organization employs approximately 2,500 staff members and focuses on various areas including nuclear safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and the application of nuclear technology for sustainable development. The IAEA's Major Programme 2, 'Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection', aims to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and manage environmental challenges through nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Job Overview:
The Food Irradiation Specialist will be a key member of a team led by the Section Head within the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. This position involves coordinating support and research, providing technical and advisory services, and disseminating information related to food irradiation. The specialist will focus on the application of food irradiation for food quality and safety, the development of standards and guidelines, and the establishment of norms for radioactivity in food and agricultural products. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure the effective implementation of research and training projects, as well as advising on programmatic and scientific matters. The specialist will also engage in public outreach regarding the transfer of irradiation technologies to Member States, thereby contributing to the overall goal of enhancing food safety and quality on an international scale.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Irradiation Specialist will be responsible for planning and implementing coordinated research projects on food irradiation, evaluating research contracts, and publishing results. The role includes coordinating work with national and international organizations, preparing and updating information on food irradiation, and organizing panels, symposia, and training courses. The specialist will also serve in scientific missions and represent the IAEA at relevant meetings. Additionally, the specialist will support the technical cooperation programme by evaluating project requests and assisting with expert assignments, training, and equipment procurement. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of food irradiation technologies and their applications in food safety and quality improvement.

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. Applicants should have at least seven years of work experience in food irradiation, particularly at an international level, with a focus on developing countries. Experience in research and technology transfer related to irradiation applications, as well as familiarity with risk assessment procedures relevant to food control and plant protection systems, is essential. Knowledge of international standards and practices in food irradiation 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. The educational qualifications should be complemented by relevant professional experience in the field of food irradiation and safety.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in food irradiation, with significant exposure to international contexts, especially in developing countries. Candidates should have a proven track record in research and technology transfer related to irradiation applications, including ionizing radiation techniques such as electron beams, gamma rays, and X-rays. Experience in managing projects and familiarity with the operational aspects of irradiation facilities are also important.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and will enhance the 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 currently amounting to US $47,50

• Additional benefits include dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses, six weeks of annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan, and health insurance. The IAEA is committed to gender equality and diversity in its workforce, encouraging 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 misconduct.