Laboratory Head

Position and Grade:	Laboratory Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Animal Production and Health Laboratory Animal Production and Health Section Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and AgricultureDepartment of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date:	29 April 2014
Application Deadline:	9 June 2014
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

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 Division 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 Division 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 Animal Production and Health Section and Laboratory assist Member States in improving livestock productivity through the efficient use of locally available feed resources, reproduction and breeding practices, and disease diagnostic tools and control measures.

Main purpose

As the Head of the Animal Production and Health (APH) Laboratory, and with the programmatic direction of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, to manage and lead the R&D activities of the Animal Production Laboratory relating to the development of improved vaccines and diagnostic tests for the control of animal diseases and to the development of tools for enhanced nutrition, reproduction and breeding strategies in the context of incorporating tracing, hormonal, immunological and molecular technologies to improve livestock production and health.

Role

The Laboratory Head plays several key roles in the IAEA Laboratories and the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme: team leader, ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the Animal Production and Health Laboratory's activities relating to research, training and services; adviserto the Head of the Animal Production and Health Section in the Joint FAO/IAEA Division, and to the Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division, on programmatic, scientific, technical matters; and advocate for relevant administrative matters.

Partnerships

The APH Laboratory Head links with and engages scientific and technical counterparts on an international and national level. Furthermore, the Laboratory Head works closely with the Animal Production and Health Section to support national, regional and interregional projects under the Agency's technical cooperation programme and to support coordinated research projects.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Ensure, as a committed team player in a matrix environment, full coordination and transparency in all activities and deliberations of the APH Laboratory vis-à-vis internal and external stakeholders. Lead the development, adaptation and validation of (bio)technologies related to the use of laboratory techniques and quality assurance procedures in immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology to facilitate programmes in animal breeding and disease control with a focus on the specific constraints applicable to livestock reproduction and breeding and to animal health, particularly in developing countries. Generate and provide scientific and technical input to the policy and standards development of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme and other national and international bodies (FAO, WHO (World Health Organization), OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health), etc.). Develop and introduce innovative R&D approaches in the laboratory on sustainable intensification of livestock production systems, including direct laboratory activities at the IAEA Laboratories. Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in Member States' research laboratories. Participate actively in the international scientific and research arena, formulate research projects and attract external funding in support of the Laboratory's activities. In programmatic consultation with the Head of the Animal Production and Health Section, contribute to the strategic direction of the subprogramme. Plan and implement the operational activities of the APH Laboratory within the subprogramme on sustainable intensification of livestock production systems through efficient management of the human, physical and financial resources. Drive the timely delivery of the Laboratory's commitments and act as the focal point on all matters relating to animal production and health. Ensure visibility and impact of the Animal Production and Health Laboratory's activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

High standards of integrity, fairness and transparency to ensure and promote a work environment based on mutual respect and trust. In-depth knowledge of the principles and practice of livestock production, disease diagnosis and animal health, supplemented by an awareness of the fundamental role of nuclear and related techniques in alleviating constraints on livestock production and health in developing countries. Thorough technical knowledge of the role of vaccines and their application, and the role of biochemical, immunological and molecular techniques in animal reproduction and genetics, and disease control. Awareness and ability to keep abreast of: (1) new and upcoming technologies relevant to the improvement of the application of molecular methods for disease control and animal production; and (2) new developments in the area of sustainable agricultural development in Member States. Proven ability to plan strategically, to formulate and undertake research programmes and projects and to generate extrabudgetary R&D funding. Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including coordinated research projects and technical cooperation projects, a strong asset. Proven ability to apply best management practices in human and financial resource management with the ability to lead teams effectively, determining clear purpose, roles and responsibilities. Ability to convey scientific information both to scientific and non-scientific audiences in a clear manner. Strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively with internal and external counterparts.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in veterinary science with a PhD, DSc, DVM or equivalent in animal sciences or a related biological subject. A minimum of ten years of working experience in research on the application of immunological and molecular techniques in animal production and health and in the implementation of animal disease control, and reproduction and breeding strategies in a national and international setting. A thorough understanding of global issues associated with animal production and health, as well as experience in the identification and resolution of issues related to animal diseases, reproduction and breeding, nutrition and their interactions, and implementation of disease control and breeding strategies that promote sustainable animal production systems. Extensive experience/exposure at international level in the area of work. Experience in contributing to policy development and priority setting in the implementation of disease diagnosis and animal production strategies. Practical field experience in the transfer of immunological and molecular technologies applicable to animal production and health - preferably in developing countries. Experience in the management of complex projects. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Fluency in French is a strong advantage. Working knowledge of at least one additional official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) would be an advantage. Working knowledge of German an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $80 887 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $55 731*, dependency benefits, diplomatic status, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation,home leave, pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.