Scientific Officers Food/Feed Microbiology and Industrial Biotechnology
EFSA/F/4/2026/02
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)
Please send us your application by no later than 20 August 2026 at 23:59 (local time), following the instructions in the ANNEX (https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/calls/Annex_Staff_Vacancy_2020.pdf).
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
As Scientific Officer you will:
• 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 (i.e. preparation of working documents, scientific opinions, coordination of expert groups and meetings, etc).
• 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 rights messages and by marking 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.
EFSA is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates without any distinction on grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, impairment and disability, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief. All EFSA staff is committed to creating an open and inclusive environment.
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 level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma.
II. Selection criteria
1. Technical competencies
i. Professional experience in at least one of the following areas:
* Food/Feed Microbiology
* Industrial Biotechnology
ii. 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.
iii. Experience in analysing and interpreting data, preferably gained in scientific risk assessment.
iv. Experience in managing scientific projects and/or coordination of expert groups/networks.
2. Behavioural competencies
i. Deal with ambiguity
ii. Demonstrate political savvy and strategic agility
iii. Focus on stakeholder needs
iv. Plan and measure for results
v. Work with others
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://careers.efsa.europa.eu/jobs/scientific-officers-food-feed-microbiology-industrial-biotechnology-463
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send us your application by no later than 20 August 2026 at 23:59 (local time), following the instructions in the ANNEX (https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/calls/Annex_Staff_Vacancy_2020.pdf).
Candidates are invited to read the ANNEX (https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/calls/Annex_Staff_Vacancy.pdf) that represents an integral part of this vacancy and provides information on how to complete the application, the steps of the selection process the rules on independence and appeal procedures.
Only applications for published vacancies submitted via the online tool are considered. Applications by email are not accepted.
In case you encounter technical issues while filling-in an application form or your candidate profile, please make sure you first clear the browser's history or switch browser. If problems persist, please contact EFSA Service Desk at servicedesk@efsa.europa.eu (mailto:servicedesk@efsa.europa.eu). The service will be active Monday to Friday from 8.30 AM to 6.00 PM.
https://careers.efsa.europa.eu/