Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors)

The Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors) formulates and implements research and development activities related to the development of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) package for human disease vectors. The role includes providing technical guidance, coordinating research projects, training fellows and scientists, and contributing to normative activities such as development of protocols and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, adapt and validate technologies related to the control of HDVs in area-wide integrated pest management programmes incorporating SIT.
• Provide recommendations and advice on transfer and implementation of SIT technologies to Member States.
• Develop and introduce innovative R&D approaches for SIT package development and implementation at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory.
• Coordinate and implement national, regional and interregional projects under the IAEA technical cooperation programme as technical and project officer.
• Promote, coordinate and evaluate Coordinated Research Projects related to SIT package development for HDVs.
• Provide technical support and guidance to visiting scientists, fellows and collaborators conducting R&D in support of SIT for HDVs.
• Contribute to development of manuals, guidelines, books, brochures, standard operating procedures on SIT for HDVs.
• Provide input on annual reports, newsletters, and external and internal subprogrammes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in medical entomology or related biological sciences.
• Advanced university degree is an asset.
• At least 5 years of working experience with R&D related to the SIT for Human Disease Vectors (HDVs) and/or other related pests.
• Working experience in an international setting is a strong asset, including practical field experience in transferring SIT technologies for human disease vectors in developing countries.
• Thorough technical knowledge of the biology of HDVs including mass-rearing techniques, insect quality control management, radiation protocols, handling, release methods, insect behavioural studies, trapping and monitoring, and validation of genetic sexing strains.
• In-depth knowledge of SIT principles and practice with awareness of area-wide integrated approaches to controlling HDVs.
• Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including implementation of Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) and Technical Cooperation (TC) projects is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written command of English.
• Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.

Skills

• Medical Entomology
• Sterile Insect Technique
• Mass-rearing Techniques
• Insect Quality Control
• Radiation Protocols
• Insect Handling
• Insect Release Methods
• Insect Behavioural Studies
• Insect Trapping and Monitoring
• Genetic Sexing Strain Validation
• Area-wide Vector Control
• Research and Development
• Field Technology Transfer
• Coordinated Research Projects
• Technical Cooperation
• Protocol Development
• Training and Capacity Building

Languages

English