Plant Breeder/Geneticist (Plant Breeding & Genetics Lab) (P3)

Plant Breeder/Geneticist (Plant Breeding & Genetics Lab) (P3)

IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency

Seibersdorf, Austria

Main Purpose

Under the supervision and guidance of the Laboratory Head, the Plant Breeder/Geneticist carries out innovative R&D activities, and provides services and training in the context of induced crop mutagenesis, incorporating the use of nuclear and related techniques for the efficient and targeted generation of superior crop varieties.

Role

As an active member of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory, the Plant Breeder/Geneticist is (1) a collaborative team member, applying scientific knowledge to the adaptation of technologies to suit identified needs in Member States, and (2) a scientific specialist, making informed proposals on strategies for addressing specific technical issues.

Functions/Key Results Expected

• Devise robust and transferable strategies for the efficient generation and identification of induced crop mutants in seed and vegetatively propagated crops;
• Conduct experiments and devise strategies aimed at the development of methodologies for the enhancement of the efficiency of mutation induction, support design and implementation of conventional and marker assisted mutation breeding pipelines;
• Assume responsibility for high-throughput phenotyping for biotic and abiotic traits and devise strategies for in vivo and in vitro characterization assays for both internal and external requesters;
• Develop methods for early generation selection for key crop improvement traits, including integration of speed breeding and predictive breeding methodologies;
• Analyse morphological data using appropriate platforms, including bioinformatics algorithms, using appropriate statistical methods and programs;
• Contribute to individual and group training activities of scientists from Member States and to the supervision of support staff of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory in the areas of mutation induction and phenotypic characterization of mutants;
• Support and contribute to the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of coordinated research projects in the fields of mutation techniques in crop improvement and genomics;
• Support Technical Cooperation projects by scientific and technical backstopping in the field of excellence of the incumbent;
• Publish research in international, peer-reviewed journals, prepare internal documents, laboratory guidelines and protocols, and participate in scientific meetings and conferences.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

• Planning and Organizing - Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans;
• Communication - Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions;
• Achieving Results - Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned;
• Teamwork - Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

• Judgement/decision making - Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards;
• Partnership building - Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals;
• Technical/scientific credibility - Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Asset Expertise

• Plant Science - Crop Production - Extensive experience with practical plant breeding including cultivar development, phenotyping methods and the use of nuclear techniques for crop improvement;
• Plant Science - Plant Biotechnology - Knowledge of elevant biotechnologies, that enhance the efficiency of plant breeding such as in vitro double haploid techniques or molecular marker applications;
• Plant Science - Plant Diseases - Control Working knowledge of plant pests and disease and their control methods.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Bachelor's Degree - University degree in plant breeding, genetics, or a related discipline. Advanced university degree an advantage;
• Minimum five years of postgraduate experience in research on the application of induced mutagenesis for breeding, or other technologies relevant to crop improvement in a national or international setting;
• Strong publication record in international, peer-reviewed journals;
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.