Joint Research Centre is looking for a Policy Officer - Biotechnology and Bioeconomy

Type of contract: Member of the European Commission’s contract staff, Function Group IV (article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants )

Duration of contract: 36 months (renewable up to maximum 6 years)

Area: Biotechnology and Bioeconomy

Place of employment: Brussels (BE)

Indicative basic salary: 4102,3 - 5941,96 € (applicable as of 1st of January 2024). For more detailed information please consult: Working Conditions

WE ARE

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.

The vacancy is within the Industrial Strategy, Skills and Technology Transfer Unit of the Directorate for Fair & Sustainable Economy. The mission of the Unit is to support policy-making for a globally competitive and world-leading EU industry, making it cleaner, more digital, and more resilient. This is achieved by ensuring Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical technologies and strategic value chains in a context of profound global geopolitical shifts. It monitors and analyses industrial trends, opportunities, and competitiveness in a context of transformation with a focus on R&D investments, technological development and innovation, productivity growth, technology transfer, and skills requirements.

The Unit is located both in Brussels and Seville. The position is based in Brussels and working closely with the different teams in Brussels and Seville. It will contribute to JRC work on the integration of emerging biotechnologies in the bioeconomy, including their socio-economic implications and potential to contribute to a sustainable and resilient European economy.

This position involves supporting the development of evidence-based policy by analysing industrial trends, opportunities, and competitiveness in the context of the EU's strategic objectives for green and digital transitions.

The successful candidate is expected to operate as the go-to person in the Unit for matters related to biotechnology and bioeconomy. He/She will focus on the integration of emerging biotechnologies in the bioeconomy, including their socio-economic implications and potential to contribute to a sustainable and resilient European economy.

We offer:

• An opportunity to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with a significant impact on policy and society in Europe and beyond.

• A chance to work closely with policy Directorates-General in the Commission to analyse trends and formulate options addressing the Commission priorities.

• The ability to turn robust research into new policy-relevant evidence.

• The role of a science-to-policy interlocutor among the scientific community, policymakers, and industry.

• A friendly working environment, with online collaboration and occasional travel for conferences, workshops, and cooperative work with colleagues in Brussels, Seville or other JRC sites.

Please see also Working at the Commission – conditions and environment (europa.eu)

WE PROPOSE

The jobholder will mainly have the following tasks:

• Conduct academic research and analyses on emerging biotechnologies and their application in the EU bioeconomy.

• Contribute to foresight studies and scenario analysis on the potential impact of industrial biotechnologies on sustainability, economic resilience, and strategic autonomy.

• Monitor and assess the competitiveness of the European biotechnology sector in a global context, with particular attention to innovation and market integration.

• Develop policy recommendations based on technological, economic, and regulatory analyses of biotechnology applications, including synthetic biology, bio-foundries, and precision fermentation.

• Manage collaborative projects with external experts and stakeholders, including the drafting of Terms of Reference and project management.

• Prepare technical and policy reports, briefs, and speeches in collaboration with colleagues from across the JRC and the Commission.

WE LOOK FOR

We are looking for a highly motivated professional with a passion for biotechnology and the bioeconomy, who is capable of analysing complex problems and proposing innovative solutions to support policy development.

Essential requirements:

• A university degree of at least 4 years, preferably in a scientific discipline related to biotechnology, bioengineering, biology, chemistry, or a related field.

• Proven experience in research and analysis related to biotechnology, bioeconomy, or bio-industries.

• Excellent communication skills in English (C1 level or higher), including the ability to write clear, concise, and impactful technical and policy reports.

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Highly desirable requirements:

• A relevant Ph.D. or research experience of at least 3 years.

• Experience in analysing and developing policies related to biotechnology or bioeconomy sectors.

• Knowledge of EU policy-making processes and the ability to translate complex scientific information into policy-relevant outputs.

• Experience working with stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy sectors.

• Familiarity with advanced biotech tools, including synthetic biology, genomics, and computational modelling.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are already on a valid CAST IV reserve list, or you have already applied to one of the calls below, you can directly submit your application at http://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?type=AX.

If not, before applying to this position, you must register for one of the two following:

• the Call for Expressions of Interest | EU Careers (europa.eu) (CAST Permanent FG IV), which is used by a wide range of organisations (institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union), or

• the specialised call for researchers (JRC Call COM/1/2015/GFIV – Research), which is mainly used by the JRC.

Note that each of the calls above has different minimum eligibility requirements and different selection tests.

The JRC cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment, and embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.