Scientific Officers Food/Feed Microbiology and Industrial Biotechnology

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based in Parma, Italy, is looking for Scientific Officers in the area Food/Feed Microbiology and Industrial Biotechnology (Contract Agent, Function Group IV).

The purpose of this call is to establish a talent pool (reserve list) that may be used for the recruitment of staff when a position becomes available and will be valid until 31/12/2027. The validity of the talent pool may be extended.

Is this job for you?

Are you a passionate and motivated scientist to contribute to EFSA’s mission in ensuring food safety in Europe?

We are looking for motivated and talented scientists with a background in one of the following areas:

• Food/Feed Microbiology
• Industrial Biotechnology

Your key responsibilities

• Collect, analyse and evaluate data and information for preparing scientific materials and working documents related to scientific assessments.
• Contribute to the drafting and reviewing of scientific outputs through the provision of evidence-based risk assessment, if applicable.
• Provide administrative and scientific support to the activities of the respective Panel and/or Working Groups, including preparation of working documents, scientific opinions, and coordination of expert groups and meetings.
• Contribute to the development of scientific guidance and methodology documents, when needed.
• Provide technical support to manage contracts and procurements, including monitoring procedures.
• Keep abreast of scientific and regulatory developments and provide information on legislative, policy and scientific aspects in the respective field.
• Ensure coordination with European, national and international stakeholders within the specific scientific activities.
• Communicate and present scientific outputs by conveying the right messages and by making scientific concepts understandable to the public.

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 around 600 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.

You will be joining EFSA at an exciting time as it implements Strategy 2027, aligned with the Transparency Regulation, which increased EFSA’s responsibilities towards EU citizens.

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 can we offer you?

EFSA can offer selected candidates contracts with a limited perspective in time, in particular for a fixed period of four years maximum, due to temporary organisational needs, specifically the increasing workload in the Scientific Departments and the availability of funding for a four-year period. The contractual relationship is linked to duties of a limited duration in time that may lead to the non-renewal of the contract. Candidates placed in the talent pool may also be considered for other similar positions that may become available.

In addition to the basic salary, EFSA offers a range of benefits:

• Various allowances to which the successful jobholder may be entitled, such as a household allowance, expatriation allowance, dependent child allowance and education allowance. The salary is subject to a Union tax deducted at source and staff members are exempt from national taxation.
• A wide range of leave, including annual leave, parental leave and public holidays, as well as flexible working hours. Besides working in EFSA’s modern headquarters located in the heart of Parma, staff members are also offered the possibility to telework.
• A comprehensive welfare package including pension scheme, medical, accident and occupational disease insurance coverage, unemployment and invalidity allowance, and travel insurance.

What are the selection requirements?

Eligibility criteria

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.

Qualifications

A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma.

In case you do not fulfil all the eligibility criteria, your application will not be taken into consideration.

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.

Technical competencies

• Professional experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Food/Feed Microbiology
• Industrial Biotechnology

• Experience in writing and reviewing scientific documents such as scientific articles, reports, scientific risk assessment, risk assessment methodology guidance, and theses using appropriate scientific terminology.
• Experience in analysing and interpreting data, preferably gained in scientific risk assessment.
• Experience in managing scientific projects and/or coordination of expert groups/networks.

Behavioural competencies

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.