EFSA is looking for passionate scientists to ensure the provision of scientific advice regarding the following domains:
-Food/Feed microbiology: biological hazards related to food safety and foodborne diseases, including foodborne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food/feed microbiology, food/feed hygiene, and waste management.
-Animal health: analysis of epidemiological data on animal health issues (viruses, bacteria, parasites, prions), epidemiological analysis of outbreak investigation, and risk assessment of i) prevention and control measures, ii) monitoring and surveillance programmes, and iii) disease incursion and spread, among others.
-Animal welfare: identification of welfare consequences and the related hazards, the assessment of the level of welfare and the use of animal-based measures
We are looking for scientists with a background in either Food/Feed Microbiology, Animal Health or, Animal Welfare and with excellent skills in data collection and data management, able to contribute to a positive environment for scientific cooperation.
If you are looking for an interesting and challenging opportunity in an international, scientifically driven organisation, then do not hesitate and send us your application today!
You will play an active role in an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of 445 million EU citizens.
EFSA employs around 570 staff members, and its Scientific Committee and Panels engage highly qualified and independent scientific experts. Every position within EFSA plays an important part in creating an inspirational environment in which to work and develop.
EFSA’s standards and values are driven by ethics and integrity and all staff is expected to act in a manner consistent with its principles, including fairness, transparency and impartiality in work practices and conduct towards other people.
EFSA is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates without any distinction on grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, impairment and disability, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief. All EFSA staff is committed to creating an open and inclusive environment.
As an EFSA staff member, you will have the chance to make a difference to European food safety working in an international and dynamic environment. You will also be able to participate in several valuable networking opportunities across Europe.
You will be joining EFSA at an exciting time as we are implementing the EFSA Strategy 2027, aligned with the Transparency Regulation, which increased EFSA’s responsibilities towards EU citizens. The following are the objectives of the Strategy 2027:
1. Deliver trustworthy scientific advice and communication of risks from farm to fork.
2. Ensure preparedness for future risk analysis needs.
3. Empower people and ensure organisational agility.
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 providing your competencies in relation to food microbiology, animal health or animal welfare.[2]
In case you do not fulfil all the eligibility criteria, your application will not be taken into consideration.
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. At least 1 year of professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
a. Food/Feed Microbiology
b. Animal Health
c. Animal Welfare
ii. Professional experience in performing scientific risk assessment, related to food/feed microbiology, animal health or animal welfare.
iii. Professional experience in generating, collecting and collating scientific data, using relevant methodologies and an ability to understand and interpret reports in order to compile the evidence.
iv. Experience in drafting clear, concise and structured scientific reports, opinions and guidance documents related to food/feed microbiology, animal health or animal welfare using appropriate scientific terminology in English.
v. Experience in communicating scientific outputs to different target audiences, conveying technical scientific concepts to internal and external stakeholders (both orally and in writing) and making them understandable to the target audience.
vi. Experience in managing scientific projects, ensuring on-time delivery of project outputs.
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
Candidates are invited to read the ANNEX that represents an integral part of this vacancy and provides information on how to complete the application, the steps of the selection process and appeal procedures.
[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 the candidate 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.