Consultant - Aquatic Microbiologist

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 Centre 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 Centre 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

Within the framework of its programmatic activities, under the overall umbrella of the Atoms4Food initiative including the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) project on Integrated Strategies for Managing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Indo-Pacific Aquaculture, the Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL) of the Joint FAO lAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is engaged in strengthening Member States' laboratory capacity to provide high-quality data on pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) detecting bacterial pathogens thereby using science-based information in policy making. The consultant will provide expertise to generate baseline data on microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance in shrimp aquaculture systems.

Functions / Key Results Expected • Perform laboratory analyses: isolate and identify pathogens, assess AMR, and generate AMR datasets.

• Conduct metagenomic analyses: Prepare samples, sequence, and identify microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) with interpretation outputs.

• Provide technical expertise in develop diagnostic assays: Design and validate multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols and deliver standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Prepare and integrate data and reports: analyse multi-method data and contribute to datasets, manuscripts, and technical reports.

• Provide technical inputs to capacity building: Provide training inputs, develop guidance materials, and deliver progress and final reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required - Skills and Expertise • Animal Diseases

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Microbiology, Aquaculture, Animal Science, Biomedical sciences or Biology.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: • Proficiency in collection and sample preparation for diagnostics from aquatic species. • Good working knowledge in AMR testing • Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques including real-time PCR • Proficiency in computer applications for word processing, data analysis, and graphical presentation. • Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with proficiency in English. • Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines. • Self-motivated with keen attention to detail and thorough documentation skills.

• Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience of microbiological disease diagnostics in aquaculture environments.

• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 160, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.