Scientific Officer

Statistical, Mathematical and Data Related Professionals
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) , based in Parma, Italy
Scientific Officer - Statistician for Uncertainty Analysis and Elicitation Methods
(Temporary Agent, Grade AD7)
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 31/12/2026 . The validity of the talent pool may be extended.
Establish and maintain practices and methodologies for uncertainty analysis throughout the organisation
Carry out and review statistical analysis and modelling and present the results to different target audiences
EFSA employs over 565 staff members, and its Scientific Committee and Panels engage highly qualified and independent scientific experts. 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. 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.
Deliver trustworthy scientific advice and communication of risks from farm to fork
# Ensure preparedness for future risk analysis needs
# Parma is a lively city of around 200.000 inhabitants located in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Italy. Parma is famous for its food, surrounding picturesque countryside and medieval castles. It is strategically located between major cities like Milano and Bologna and within reachable distance from ski resorts, seaside and mountains.
The successful candidate will be recruited as Temporary Agent Grade AD7 with the basic salary starting from € 7.646,86 monthly, subject to an annual review of remuneration provided for in Article 64 and Article 65(1) of the Staff Regulations.
Various allowances to which the successful jobholder may be entitled, such as a household allowance, expatriation allowance (16% of basic salary), 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.
Wide range of leaves (e.g. annual leave, parental leave, public holidays) and 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. Have a thorough knowledge of one of the EU official languages and a satisfactory knowledge of another EU language;
a) A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least four (4) years attested by a diploma in a relevant scientific or quantitative discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Epidemiology, Public Health, Economics, or any related discipline;
b) A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma in a relevant scientific or quantitative discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Epidemiology, Public Health, Economics, or any related discipline and in addition at least one (1) year of professional experience.
Data Analysis and Statistical Modelling – At least 6 years of experience in statistical, probabilistic, or computational methods to analyse data, model uncertainty and support decision-making under incomplete information.
Food Safety Risk Assessment – At least 3 years of experience in quantitative food safety risk assessment, including hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose–response evaluation, and risk characterization.
Uncertainty Analysis – Experience in identifying, quantifying, and interpreting uncertainty in scientific data, models, and risk assessments, e.g. developing confidence intervals, uncertainty distributions, and sensitivity analyses.
Structured Expert Judgment Processes – Experience in designing and implementing structured processes to gather and integrate judgments, estimates, or insights from subject‑matter experts where empirical data are limited or uncertain.
Project Management – Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage complex scientific projects involving multidisciplinary teams, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, quality assurance, and proper documentation.
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 think in a creative and innovative way;
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;
Selection steps applicable to this selection procedure: following the evaluation phase the best qualified candidates will be directly invited to the written test and interview with the selection board.
(1) Before appointment, a successful candidate shall be medically examined by an institution’s medical officer in order that the European Food Safety Authority may be satisfied that the candidate fulfills the requirement of article 28(e) of the Staff Regulations of the Officials of the European Communities.
(3) Any professional experience mentioned in the application form shall be duly supported by evidence ( copies of e.g. contracts, payslips etc.). Professional experience shall be taken into account from the date on which the person fulfils the minimum qualifications for engagement. as employee (any type of contract), or provider of a service. Any given period may be counted only once (in order to be calculated as eligible, years of studies or professional experience to be taken into account shall not overlap with other periods of studies or professional experience). Professional activities pursued part-time will be calculated pro-rata on the basis of the certified percentage of full‑time hours worked. PhDs acquired in a field relevant to the job description can be counted as professional experience up to 3 years. Paid traineeships are counted as working experience. Prior to contract signature, the successful candidate(s) will need to provide copies of documents proving the candidate’s work experience.
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