The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks.
The Authority has set up a selection procedure that aims to establish a reserve list for Temporary Agents (5 years renewable contract) for:
Scientific Officer (Food Chemist/ Toxicologist/ Food Scientist) Emerging Risks Unit Grade AD 7 Ref.: EFSA/X/AD/2008/009
The job The job holder will support the Unit in implementing systems for detection of emerging risks leading to new hazards or changes in exposure resulting from changes in technologies, in sourcing of foods, in food consumption patterns, or in climate changes. The specific tasks may include the following: • Planning, coordinating and managing scientific activities related to evaluation of chemical occurrence data in support of ad hoc questions as well as supporting EFSA’s Scientific Panels; • Reviewing and implementation of scientifically based food categorisation systems that can link or integrate occurrence, composition and consumption data collected from divergent sources; • Preparing and presenting exposure assessment reports on beneficial or hazardous compounds in food or feed in support of EFSA’s Scientific Panels; • Contributing to the development of identification and information structures for emerging risks related to food and feed (Emerging Risks Identification System – ERIS); • Developing and coordinating a project management system supporting the Unit’s diverse activities and reporting requirements; • Internal cooperation: contributing to the co-ordination, planning, development, harmonisation and implementation of activities and procedures of the Authority as well as supporting other Units of the Authority on matters related to the work of the Unit; • External communication: setting-up networks with competent institutions in EU Member States and with other international organisations active in similar areas as EFSA; • Handling of external requests for information relevant to the work of the Unit, including requests from other European Institutions, International Bodies, Member States and the general public.
The jobholder reports to the Head of the Emerging Risks Unit.
The requirements Qualifications and experience Eligibility criteria i. A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma in one of the following fields: food chemistry, toxicology, food science, biological sciences, nutrition, life sciences or related areas when the normal period of university education is four (4) years or more, OR ii. A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma in one of the following fields: food chemistry, toxicology, food science, biological sciences, nutrition, life sciences or related areas and appropriate professional experience of at least one (1) year when the normal period of university education is at least three (3) years; iii. In addition to the above either in case A(i) or A(ii), at least six (6) years of relevant and proven professional experience gained after obtaining the diploma; iv. Thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Communities and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the Communities; v. Candidates must be nationals of a Member State of the European Communities; vi. Candidates must have fulfilled any obligations imposed on them by laws concerning military service; vii. Meet the character requirements for the duties involved; viii. Candidates must be entitled to his or her full rights as a citizen; ix. Be physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post.
Selection criteria Essential criteria • Out of the six (6) years of experience mentioned above, at least two (2) years of professional experience acquired in the fields of activities covered by the Emerging risks Unit and directly relevant for the tasks listed above; • Experience food chemistry/ toxicology or food science in general and in particular data evaluation and presentation relevant for chemical exposure and risk assessment; • Very good knowledge of both written and spoken English; • Good knowledge of IT tools (MS Office and electronic management of documents and statistical programmes); • Familiarity with exposure assessment methodologies and terminology; • Familiarity with food safety and nutritional issues related to the presence of beneficial or hazardous substances in food and feed; • Good writing skills; • Good project management and administrative skills; • Good organisational and problem-solving skills; • Ability to work well with others (good team player) as well as independently, under conditions that require considerable flexibility.
Submission of applications Candidates are requested to submit their application electronically through the or download the application forms ( / ) from the EFSA website and send their application by registered mail to the following address:
EFSA Human Resources Unit Ref.: EFSA/X/AD/2008/009 Largo N. Palli, 5/A I-43100 PARMA
Candidates should note that the on line application is the recommended method. Applications delivered via email will not be accepted. An application will be deemed admissible only if it includes a duly completed application form. This vacancy notice and the form are only available in English. Candidates are kindly invited to fill in their application form in English, in order to facilitate the recruitment procedure. The Authority regrets that, due to the large volume of applications only candidates selected for interviews will be notified.
Please note that EFSA will not return applications to candidates. The personal information EFSA requests from candidates will be processed in line with Regulation (EC) N° 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data. The purpose of processing of the personal data candidates submit is to manage applications in view of a possible pre-selection and recruitment at EFSA.
Closing date for sending applications Applications must be sent no later than 07/04/2008 at midnight (Local time, GMT +1). For those sent by registered mail, the postmark date will serve as a proof. The Authority will disregard any applications received after that date.
Please note that, due to the extremely large number of applications we receive, when reaching the deadline for submission of applications, the system may have problems to process the large amounts of data. We therefore advise the applicants to send in their application well ahead of the deadline.
.
