Job Reference: 2026/0225 (127657)
Organization
NAFA – Insect Pest Control Laboratory
Primary Location
Seibersdorf, Lower Austria, Austria – IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf
Job Posting Details
Closing Date: 02 July 2026, 11:59 PM
Duration: 36 Months
Contract Type: Fixed Term – Regular
Probation Period: 1 Year
Full Competitive Recruitment: Yes
This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any Departments and Offices of the Organization.
Important Notice Regarding Application Deadline: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time according to the applicant’s location.
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 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
- Food safety and control
The Insect Pest Control Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development, dissemination, and transfer of sterile insect and related environmentally friendly technologies for the area-wide integrated suppression, containment, or eradication of major insect pests affecting crops, livestock, and human health.
Main Purpose
Under the supervision of the Medical Entomologist, the Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors) formulates and implements research and development activities related to the development of the SIT (Sterile Insect Technique) package for Human Disease Vectors (HDVs) and assists with the transfer of these technologies to Member States.
Role
The Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors) is:
- A contributor to the development of the SIT package for HDVs through research activities at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory (IPCL) and through Coordinated Research Projects.
- A technical officer who provides technical guidance to the IAEA Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme to transfer and validate technologies related to SIT for HDVs to Member States.
- A project officer for Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs).
- A trainer and provider of technical support to fellows, visiting scientists, interns, and other stakeholders.
- A contributor to normative activities such as the development of protocols, manuals, guidelines, and related documentation.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Develop, adapt, and validate technologies related to the control of HDVs in the context of area-wide integrated pest management programmes that incorporate SIT and, in alignment with FAO and IAEA programmes and identified Member State needs, provide recommendations and advice on the transfer and implementation of these technologies.
- Develop and introduce innovative R&D approaches to the development and implementation of the SIT package for HDVs at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory.
- As a technical and project officer, be responsible for the coordination and implementation of national, regional, and interregional projects under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme.
- Promote, coordinate, and evaluate CRPs related to the development of the SIT package for HDVs.
- Provide technical support and guidance to visiting scientists, fellows, and collaborators from national, regional, and international research institutes hosted at IPCL to conduct R&D in support of SIT for HDVs, including designing experiments and developing protocols.
- Provide input and evaluation for the development of manuals, guidelines, books, brochures, and standard operating procedures on various aspects of SIT for HDVs in the context of area-wide integrated pest management.
- Contribute input to annual reports, newsletters, and external and internal subprogrammes.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies
Planning and Organizing
Plans and organizes work in support of achieving team or section 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 others’ perspectives and proposes solutions.
Achieving Results
Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expected results within the Department or Division programme. Evaluates results realistically and draws conclusions from lessons learned.
Teamwork
Actively contributes to achieving team results and supports team decisions.
Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Analyses information to identify cause-and-effect relationships and correlations. Identifies critical elements and assesses the consequences of different courses of action while proposing solutions.
Knowledge Sharing and Learning
Actively seeks learning opportunities and shares knowledge, skills, and experience effectively across different situations and contexts.
Technical/Scientific Credibility
Ensures that work complies with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically and technically credible and reliable information.
Required Expertise
Disease Vectors – Insect Pest Control
Extensive experience in mass-rearing techniques of Human Disease Vectors, with a focus on Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, including quality control management.
Experience in:
- Mosquito radiation protocols
- Radiation dosimetry for insect irradiation
- Field application of the Sterile Insect Technique for mosquito management
- Handling, release, trapping, and monitoring of sterile male mosquitoes
Qualifications, Experience and Language Skills
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Entomology or related biological sciences.
Advanced University Degree
An advanced university degree is an asset.
Experience Requirements
- At least 5 years of working experience with R&D related to SIT for HDVs and/or other related pests.
- Working experience in an international setting is a strong asset, including practical field experience in transferring SIT technologies for Human Disease Vectors in developing countries.
Technical Knowledge Required
- Thorough technical knowledge of the biology of HDVs, including mass-rearing techniques.
- Insect quality control management.
- Radiation protocols.
- Handling and release methods.
- Insect behavioural studies.
- Trapping and monitoring.
- Validation of genetic sexing strains.
Additional Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of SIT principles and practice.
- Understanding of the fundamental role of area-wide integrated approaches to controlling HDVs.
- Awareness of FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including the implementation of CRPs and TC projects, is an asset.
Language Requirements
- Excellent oral and written command of English.
- Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including:
- Tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $71,335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance).
- Variable post adjustment currently amounting to US $38,664.
- Dependency benefits.
- Rental subsidy.
- Education grant.
- Relocation and repatriation expenses.
Other benefits include:
- 6 weeks annual leave
- Home leave travel
- Pension plan
- Health insurance
More information on employment conditions can be found on the IAEA employment website.
General Information
The IAEA’s paramount consideration in recruiting staff members is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity.
Staff members shall be selected without unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin, or other similar characteristics.
The IAEA is committed to gender equality and promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly 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 values:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for Diversity
The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
Evaluation Process
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement.
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include:
- An assessment exercise
- A competency-based interview
Candidates under serious consideration may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Appointment Information
- Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
- Staff members may be assigned to any location.
- Candidates appointed to Professional and higher category posts are subject to the IAEA rotation policy, with a maximum tour of service normally limited to seven years.
- The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to appoint at a lower grade or different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for a shorter duration than indicated above.
For the complete list of our current vacancies, applicant resources, and information on employment with the IAEA, please visit https://iaea.org/employment.