Scientific Officer – Toxicology (Genotoxicology)

Scientific Officer – Toxicology (Genotoxicology)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based in Parma, Italy is looking for a Scientific Officer - Toxicology (Genotoxicology) (Temporary Agent, Grade AD7).

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?

The Nutrition and Food Innovation (NIF) Unit is seeking a highly motivated Scientific Officer to join the Novel Food Product Safety Team as a Senior Officer in Genotoxicology.

The successful candidate will apply advanced expertise to the integration, interpretation and critical appraisal of genotoxicity data, with particular emphasis on studies conducted in accordance with OECD Test Guidelines (TGs) and relevant regulatory frameworks. This work will support hazard identification, hazard characterisation and risk characterisation within the context of human health risk assessment.

Your key responsibilities

• Scientific expertise: Provide expertise on genotoxicity in the safety assessment of novel food applications. Work closely with multidisciplinary EFSA units, Scientific Panels, and Scientific Committee to ensure consistency and harmonisation in genotoxicity assessment practices. Contribute to the ongoing refinement and interpretation of EFSA genotoxicity guidance and testing strategies, ensuring alignment with evolving OECD Test Guidelines and international best practice. Support the scientifically justified integration of new approach methodologies (NAMs), in silico tools and innovative strategies for genotoxic hazard evaluation.
• Scientific assessment and interpretation: Lead, coordinate and contribute to the scientific evaluation of novel food dossiers, with particular emphasis on assessing potential DNA-damaging effects and their relevance to human health under the proposed conditions of use.
• Integration of evidence: Apply robust scientific judgement to integrate data from diverse sources to characterise the toxicological and genotoxic potential of novel foods. Familiarity with tiered testing strategies as outlined in EFSA genotoxicity guidance documents is essential.
• Coordination: Manage and coordinate networks, multidisciplinary working groups, outsourced contracts and/or task forces.
• Drafting risk assessment outputs: Prepare clear, concise and well-structured scientific outputs, including reports, publications, opinions and guidance documents, using appropriate and precise scientific terminology.

WHY EFSA?

You will play an active role in an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of 450 million EU citizens.

EFSA employs over 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.

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.

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;
• 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 in one of the following fields: genotoxicology, toxicology, genetics, molecular biology or a closely related discipline OR

b) 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: genotoxicology, toxicology, genetics, molecular biology or a closely related discipline, 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 acquired after having obtained the qualifications mentioned in point 2.

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

1. At least three (3) years of professional experience in genotoxicology testing (classical and/or new approach methodologies);
2. Professional experience in the evaluation of experimental genotoxicology data generated according to internationally recognised test guidelines (OECD) together with a sound understanding of mechanisms of DNA damage, including mutagenicity, clastogenicity and aneugenicity;
3. Strong professional experience in integration of evidence from multiple sources, interpretation of complex datasets, and application of weight-of-evidence approaches and biological relevance considerations;
4. Professional experience in the scientific risk assessment of regulated products to support regulatory decision-making and ensure consumer safety;
5. Professional experience in scientific project management, including planning and coordinating activities, managing time and resources, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, and overseeing the work of project team members;
6. Professional experience in drafting high-quality scientific opinions, reports and guidance documents, as well as in presenting scientific outcomes to both technical and non-technical audiences.

2. Behavioural competencies

1. 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;
2. 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;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. 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.