The purpose of this call is to establish a talent pool (reserve list) that may be used for the recruitment of staff when a position becomes available and will be valid until 31/12/2022. The validity of the talent pool may be extended.
Are you an enthusiastic scientist with experience in the field of agronomic and phenotypic characterisation of cultivated plants and/or Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA)? Do you want to work for a dynamic and growing European Agency in a multicultural environment?
We are looking for passionate and driven highly motivated scientists with knowledge and experience in ONE of the following areas:
A. Assessment of field trials for agronomic and phenotypic performance of cultivated plants (including evaluation of the test materials and representativeness of selected environments).
B. Environmental risk assessment (RA) of GMO plants (persistence and invasiveness assessment, vertical and horizontal gene flow, interactions with target and non-target organisms, impacts on biogeochemical processes as well as impacts of altered agricultural management practices).
The successful candidates will contribute and support EFSA’s activities in the relevant areas by searching and analysing data as well as reviewing/drafting scientific outputs.
Parma is a lively city of around 200.000 inhabitants located in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Italy. Its centre is rich in art, with architecture from different periods and plenty of parks. Parma is famous for its food, surrounding picturesque countryside and medieval castles. It is strategically located between major cities like Milano and Bologna and within reachable distance from ski resorts, seaside and mountains.
EFSA can offer the selected candidate a contract of 5 years with the possibility of renewal.
The successful candidate will be recruited as Temporary Agent Grade AD6 with the basic salary starting from € 5.524 monthly, subject to an annual review of remuneration provided for in Article 65(1) of the Staff Regulations.
WHAT ARE THE SELECTION REQUIREMENTS?
You must satisfy the following requirements on the closing date for submission of your application:
I. Eligibility criteria
1. General requirements
• Be national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland or Norway;
• Enjoy full rights as a citizen;
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by laws concerning military service;
• Be physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post;[1]
• Have a thorough knowledge of one of the EU official languages and a satisfactory knowledge of another EU language;
• Meet the character requirements for the duties involved;
2. Qualifications
A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma in one of the following fields: agronomy, plant breeding, (applied) biology, genetics, plant physiology, biotechnology or related areas. [2]
3. Experience
In addition to the above, at least three (3) years of relevant and proven professional experience gained after obtaining the diploma.[3]
II. Selection criteria
The following competencies will be assessed throughout the different phases of the selection procedure. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate effective communication in both spoken and written English as well as strong motivation for the position.
1. Technical competencies
i. Professional experience, preferably gained in a multicultural environment, in one of the following areas:
a.) Scientific areas relevant to the comparative analysis of GM plants;
b.) Scientific areas relevant to the ERA of GMO;
ii. Experience in generating, collecting and collating evidence in the areas indicated above;
iii. Demonstrated experience in writing and reviewing scientific documents such as scientific articles, reports, opinions and guidance documents using appropriate scientific terminology;
iv. Ability to communicate scientific outputs by conveying the message in a transparent and understandable way for different target audiences;
v. Proven experience in analysing and interpreting data gained in a scientific environment.
Following competencies are considered an asset:
vi. Knowledge (through training or professional experience) of risk assessment methods and principles;
vii. Knowledge of the EU framework in the area of GMO;
viii. A PhD in a scientific area directly relevant to the job.
2. Behavioural competencies
i. Deal with ambiguity: Able to work constructively within unexpected and unpredictable situations and show resilience and composure, even in difficult or adverse circumstances; able to decide and act without having the total picture; accept constructive feedback in a positive manner;
ii. Demonstrate political savvy and strategic agility: Look beyond the current situation and visualise what the future can bring with a keen sense for arising opportunities and good understanding of how and when to best pursue them; able to think in a creative and innovative way;
iii. Focus on stakeholder needs: Committed to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders; establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and gain their trust and respect;
iv. Plan and measure for results: Set ambitious goals that exceed the targets and create plans to achieve them; ensure an efficient and responsible planning and management of resources;
v. Work with others: Work confidently within a group and contribute to achieve the common goals, understanding own role and how it supports the team and the organisation; able to cooperate, listen actively, manage conflicts and motivate colleagues.
NOTE
This vacancy is published as well internally at the grade bracket AD5 – AD7.
[1] Before appointment, a successful candidate shall be medically examined by an institution’s medical officer in order that the European Food Safety Authority may be satisfied that he/she fulfils the requirement of article 28(e) of the Staff Regulations of the Officials of the European Communities.
[2] Any academic qualification mentioned in the application form shall be duly supported by evidence (original or certified copies of e.g. diplomas, certification, etc.) Only qualifications issued by EU Member State authorities and qualifications recognised as equivalent by the relevant EU Member State authorities will be accepted. In instances where diplomas are obtained from a non-EU Member State, EFSA may request the candidate to provide a relevant document of comparability issued by a recognised authority.
[3] Any professional experience mentioned in the application form shall be duly supported by evidence (original or certified copies of e.g. contracts, payslips etc.). Professional experience shall be taken into account from the date on which the person fulfils the minimum qualifications for engagement. In order for your professional experience to be taken into consideration, it must be supported by relevant documents attesting an actual work relationship defined by the following elements: real, genuine work; on a paid basis; as employee (any type of contract), or provider of a service. Any given period may be counted only once (in order to be calculated as eligible, years of studies or professional experience to be taken into account shall not overlap with other periods of studies or professional experience). Professional activities pursued part-time will be calculated pro-rata on the basis of the certified percentage of full-time hours worked. Remunerated PhDs acquired in a field relevant to the job description can be counted as professional experience up to 3 years. Paid traineeships are counted as working experience. Prior to contract signature, the successful candidate(s) will need to provide original versions of documents proving the candidate’s work experience.
Source URL: https://careers.efsa.europa.eu/jobs/scientific-officer-agronomy-268