Scientific Officer - Plant Protection Products Residues
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- Science Professionals
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- EFSA/X/AD/2026/01 Requisition #
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- Apr 14, 2026 Post Date
Thanks for your interest in the Scientific Officer - Plant Protection Products Residues position.
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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) A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least four (4) years attested by a diploma[2] in one of the following fields: chemical, biological and agricultural sciences, such as (food) chemistry, environmental sciences, food sciences or biochemistry, or any related area.
OR
b) A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma[2] in one of the following fields: chemical, biological and agricultural sciences, such as (food) chemistry, environmental sciences, food sciences or biochemistry, or any related area, and in addition at least one (1) year of professional experience.
3. Experience
In addition to the above, at least six (6) years of proven professional experience[3] acquired after having obtained the qualifications mentioned in point 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 five years (5) of experience in regulatory chemical risk assessment of plant protection products, with emphasis on pesticide residues, consumer dietary exposure and risk assessment, demonstrated either through work performed in the framework of the peer review under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 (e.g. metabolism of pesticides in plants and in livestock, setting of residue definitions, assessment of supervised residue field trials), or in the setting and evaluation of Maximum Residue Levels in the framework of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005;
ii. Experience in generating, identifying, collecting and critically appraising data and evidence from diverse sources using appropriate methodological approaches, including the interpretation and integration of complex datasets relevant to dietary risk assessments;
iii. Experience in the application of computational or data-driven approaches to risk assessment, including the use of exposure and cumulative risk models (e.g., MCRA) and the ability to contribute to the development, evaluation or implementation of novel methodologies and approaches in a regulatory risk assessment context;
iv. Experience in drafting clear, concise and structured scientific reports, opinions, guidance documents using appropriate scientific terminology, and ability to communicate scientific outputs to different target audiences;
v. Experience in managing scientific projects e.g. plan the time sequence of milestones and activities, as well as the work of project team members, monitor the project progress and results (on time and quality), ensure on-time delivering of the project outputs;
vi. Experience in working with specific IT systems, databases, and workflow management tools used for dossiers of regulated products (e.g., IUCLID, MetaPath, QSAR Toolbox);
i. Experience in dietary exposure assessments for biocontrol pesticides under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.
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, the rules on independence and appeal procedures.
Selection steps applicable to this selection procedure: following the evaluation phase the best qualified candidates will be directly invited to the written test and interview with the selection board.
Candidates are particularly encouraged to take into consideration the information on Pre and post-occupational activities.
Grade bracket for interagency publication 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 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 ( 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 ( 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. 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 copies of documents proving the candidate’s work experience.