Heads of Risk Assessment Departments

Deadline for Applications : 24 August 2026, 23:59, Italy time zone

Are you an experienced leader with a strong track record of managing scientific functions, shaping strategic priorities and guiding multidisciplinary teams in a complex and evolving environment?

The Heads of Departments "B – Risk Assessment I (Plants, Animals, Biological Hazards and Pesticides)" and "C – Risk Assessment II (Food and Feed Products)" will play key roles in leading and shaping their department’s strategic direction and operational excellence.

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Department

Oversee the delivery of high-quality scientific risk assessments

Drive innovation, digital transformation and methodological development

Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams

Manage financial, human and operational resources

Represent EFSA and strengthen collaboration with EU and international stakeholders

International and dynamic environment

Contribute to EFSA Strategy 2027

Values: ethics, transparency, inclusion, diversity

What EFSA offers

Salary: from € 14.603 /month + benefits

5 years (renewable) contract

The opportunity to live and work in Parma, Italy—within easy reach of ski resorts, the seaside and the mountains.

Eligibility General requirements:

National of Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Norway

Enjoy full rights as a citizen & fulfilment of military obligations

Physically fit for the role

Knowledge of one EU language + another EU language

Meet character requirements

Qualifications: A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least four (4) years attested by a diploma[2];

OR

b) A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma[2] and in addition at least one (1) year of professional experience.

Experience In addition to the above, at least fifteen (15) years of proven professional experience acquired after having obtained the qualifications mentioned in point 2 in positions corresponding to the nature of duties of the vacant post. Out of these fifteen (15) years, at least two (2) years must have been acquired as a manager.

In case you do not fulfil all the eligibility criteria, your application will not be taken into consideration.

If you are ready to shape one of two newly established Risk Assessment Departments and lead scientific excellence in food and feed safety across Europe, don't miss this opportunity.

More information & applications: EFSA Careers - Jobs

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