Consultant - Toxic Element Species Measurement in Food

Consultant - Toxic Element Species Measurement in Food

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

October 24, 2026November 26, 2026Austria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in 195
  • Its mission is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. The IAEA operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The organization is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and has laboratories in Seibersdorf and Monaco. The IAEA's Major Programme 2 focuses on 'Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection', which includes various programs aimed at enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, human health, and environmental protection through nuclear techniques.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is primarily focused on the development of analytical methods for detecting, identifying, and quantifying toxic elemental species in food. This role is crucial for supporting the IAEA's objectives related to improving food safety and control systems in Member States. The consultant will be expected to contribute significantly to the development and optimization of analytical methods, particularly using advanced techniques such as liquid- or ion chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-/IC-ICP-MS). The position also involves preparing training materials and providing hands-on training to laboratory staff, thereby enhancing the overall capacity of the Food Safety and Control Laboratory (FSCL). The consultant will play a vital role in ensuring that the methodologies developed are validated and documented appropriately, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of food safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide expertise in the development and optimization of analytical methods for the detection, identification, and quantification of toxic elemental species in food using LC-/IC-ICP-MS techniques.
  • Develop, validate, and document analytical method protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Prepare and review training materials related to chemical speciation analysis and LC-/IC-ICP-MS applications.
  • Share expertise with the FSCL team through lectures, presentations, and hands-on training activities.
  • Contribute technical input to the preparation, review, and publication of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and other knowledge products arising from the consultancy work.
  • Collaborate with other experts and stakeholders to enhance the methodologies and practices in food safety and control.

Required Qualifications:
  • Advanced university degree (master's) in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in Analytical Chemistry, with a focus on Chemical Speciation in food.
  • Practical R&D experience in developing analytical methods for detecting, identifying, and quantifying toxic element species in food using LC-/IC-ICP-MS techniques.
  • Experience in preparing technical reports and scientific publications.
  • Proficiency in handling and interpreting analytical data.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of other IAEA official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's) in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in Analytical Chemistry, particularly in the area of Chemical Speciation in food. Candidates should have practical research and development experience in developing analytical methods, specifically using LC-/IC-ICP-MS techniques, as well as experience in sample preparation procedures. This level of experience is crucial for the consultant to effectively contribute to the objectives of the IAEA.

Languages:
A good command of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IAEA. Knowledge of additional official IAEA languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish is considered advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to a maximum of €250, depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. If duty travel is required during the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs will be provided. It is important to note that health coverage and pension fund responsibilities lie with the consultant.
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