Scientific Officer for the health risk assessment of microorganisms (f/m/d)

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is the national institute which prepares expert reports and opinions on questions of food, feed and chemical safety and consumer health protection in Germany on the basis of internationally recognised scientific assessment criteria. It advises the Federal Government and other institutions and interest groups in these areas. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks. It is an institution with legal capacity within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

The following permanent position is now available in the department Pesticides Safety of the BfR in the unit “Testing and Assessment Strategies Pesticides”:

Scientific Officer for the health risk assessment of microorganisms (f/m/d)

Reference number: 3422 | Pay grade 13 TVöD | Place of work: Berlin | Application deadline: 18.12.2023

Part-time employment is possible.

Within the BfR, Department 6: Pesticide Safety is responsible for the risk assessment of pesticides and the protection of consumer and user health. Within this framework, the “Testing and Assessment Strategies Pesticides” unit focuses on the assessment of biopesticides as well as on the development of new testing and assessment methods and strategies for health risk assessment.

Tasks:

The vacant position covers activities in the risk assessment of micro-organisms to be used in biopesticides as well as their metabolites and toxins with regard to both human and animal health. Another task is to contribute to the further development of assessment strategies for the approval of microbial active substances and the authorisation of the corresponding products.

The individual tasks include:

• Review of the studies and dossiers on health risk assessment submitted by the applicant companies and relevant information from the scientific literature as well as the derivation of scientifically substantiated conclusions in terms of consumer and user protection
• Participation in the preparation of technical guidelines as well as in the further development of assessment strategies and test methods at the EU and OECD level; active participation in relevant committees and working groups
• Provision of scientific advice to the Federal Government and responding to enquiries on the aforementioned topics.
• Acquisition of expertise on new challenges in the assessment of biopesticides (e.g. possible regulatory effects regarding the influence on the microbiome)
• Participation in the conception, scientific monitoring, and, if necessary, the implementation and coordination of research projects, e.g. the inclusion of new approach methods (NAMs) for health risk assessment.

Your profile:

• University degree (Master’s degree, diploma, or comparable university degree) in toxicology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, human or veterinary medicine, or a comparable bioscientific specialisation
• In-depth knowledge of and, if applicable, scientific publications on topics relevant to the announcement (e.g. in microbiology or toxicology)
• Basic knowledge of the health assessment of pesticides, including the legal basis
• Ability to present complicated scientific issues and contexts in a manner appropriate to the target audience
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and/or German
• Good computer skills, a conscientious way of working, flexibility, the ability to work in a team, resilience, and the willingness to travel on business are required

Desired:

• Doctorate
• Experience in European or international committees and projects
• Knowledge of the health risk assessment of micro-organisms

What we can offer you:

• A varied range of tasks in a growing departmental research institution
• Flexible working hours without fixed working hours
• 30 days’ annual leave (5-day week) plus 24 and 31 December as non-working days
• Additional days-off options via time credits
• Attractive subsidy (50%) for the company ticket/Deutschlandticket Job
• Mobile working options
• Very good connection to the public transport network 
• Comprehensive further training opportunities for professional and personal development 
• VBL company pension and capital-forming benefits 
• Employee welfare (AWO) family service

Application process:

Does this position appeal to you?

Then please apply by 18.12.2023 via our online system.

Please address any questions in connection with the application process to bewerbung@bfr.bund.de. 

– Please do not send any applications to this email address –

If you cannot apply online, please send a postal application to Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung / Personalreferat / Max-Dohrn-Str. 8- 10 / 10589 Berlin

Please address any questions about the area of responsibility to:

Dr. Marx-Stoelting  Tel.: + 49 (0)3018412-26600

Dr. Feustel               Tel.: + 49 (0)3018412-26601

You will find more information on our homepage: www.bfr.bund.de/de/stellenanzeigen

The BfR welcomes applications from people of all nationalities.The BfR is an innovative scientific institute offering family-friendly working conditions. for which it was awarded the “audit berufundfamilie®” (work and family) certificate. The BfR guarantees equal career opportunities for women and men. In the case of equal suitability, severely disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration and are only required to have a minimum level of physical suitability.