Consultant Researcher - Soil Nutrient Use and Crop Quality

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was established in 195

• The IAEA's mission is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent its use for military purposes. 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 related to food and agriculture, human health, water resources, and environmental protection. The organization has laboratories located in Seibersdorf, Monaco, and Vienna, which support its initiatives in enhancing the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and manage environmental challenges through nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant Researcher at the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory (SWMCNL) involves conducting Research & Development (R&D) activities aimed at improving nutrient use efficiency, crop nutritional quality, and climate resilience. The consultant will work closely with various laboratories, including Plant Breeding and Genetics, Food Safety and Control, and Nuclear Science and Instrumentation. The primary focus will be on the Coordinated Research Project (CRP) that integrates nuclear approaches to enhance nutrient use efficiency and crop nutritional quality. The consultant will be responsible for identifying key research priorities, developing and implementing research protocols, coordinating CRP activities, facilitating collaboration among participating institutes, and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals. This role is crucial for advancing agricultural practices that are sustainable and resilient to climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will carry out a range of duties including: conducting R&D activities in both field and laboratory settings to enhance nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity, particularly in cereals; providing technical expertise in identifying and addressing key research topics within the CRP framework; supporting the development and implementation of research protocols; advising and coordinating CRP research activities, including those involving PhD and MSc students; publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting findings at scientific conferences; providing technical support for the development and publication of research protocols, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs); and contributing technical inputs to meetings, workshops, and discussions with CRP participants and research partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced (PhD) university degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant post-doctoral experience in areas such as plant nutrition, nutrient use efficiency, crop nutritional quality, or soil fertility is required. Candidates should have experience in nutrient dynamics, plant-soil interactions, and crop nutrient management, as well as statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental data. Experience in laboratory and field trial design, management, and implementation is essential, along with familiarity with isotopic, nuclear, and related techniques. Knowledge of climate-resilient agricultural practices is considered an asset. The ability to coordinate research activities and collaborate with international research teams is crucial, as is a proven record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced (PhD) degree in a relevant field such as Soil Science, Agronomy, Physics, or Chemistry. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complex interactions involved in soil and crop management and for conducting high-level research in these areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant post-doctoral experience. This experience should encompass areas such as plant nutrition, nutrient use efficiency, crop nutritional quality, and soil fertility. Candidates should also have practical experience in nutrient dynamics, plant-soil interactions, and crop nutrient management, as well as experience in statistical analysis and the design and management of laboratory and field trials.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for scientific meetings and technical discussions. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to a maximum of €250, depending on qualifications and experience. If duty travel is required, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs will be provided. Health coverage and pension fund responsibilities lie with the incumbent. The position may involve collaboration with international research teams and is focused on enhancing agricultural practices through innovative research.