EFSA – Scientific Officer – Human Nutrition

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:

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.  Proven Professional experience in one of the following areas:

 

a.) Research in the area of human nutrition.
b.) Conducting safety and/or efficacy and/or suitability risk assessments in the area of human nutrition. 

 

ii. Experience in one or more of the following: performing the systematic review stepwise process; the analysis and interpretation of data from intervention and observational studies (ability to prepare data sets for statistical analysis, understand and interpret the results); generating and/or assessing scientific evidence, making use of relevant methodologies to collect data and information.
iii. Experience in drafting clear, concise and structured scientific reports and publications using appropriate scientific terminology; 
iv. Experience in conveying technical scientific concepts and make them understandable (both orally and in writing) to different target audiences;
v.  Experience in managing scientific projects, translating strategic goals into clear project objectives, planning and managing time and resources;
vi. Ability to organise, manage and coordinate network meetings, including the creation and management of supporting documentation;

 

The following competencies will be considered as an asset:

vii. Proven experience in Biostatistics, and/or proven experience in intake data/exposure assessment;

viii. A PhD

 

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.