About EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides independent scientific advice on risks associated with the food chain, supporting EU institutions and member states in protecting consumer health. Based in Parma, Italy, EFSA was established in 2002 in the wake of the BSE crisis and employs around 500 staff. The agency carries out risk assessments on food and feed safety, GMOs, plant protection products, animal health and welfare, and emerging risks. Its scientific opinions underpin EU legislation across the food sector, from pesticide approvals to nutrition labelling. EFSA also coordinates a Europe-wide network of national food safety bodies.
Working at EFSA
EFSA hires scientists with backgrounds in toxicology, microbiology, nutrition, plant health, animal health, statistics, and risk assessment. The agency also recruits regulatory affairs specialists, data scientists, communicators, and corporate-services staff. EFSA's scientific work is supported by external panels of independent experts, and staff coordinate panel meetings, draft scientific opinions, and manage the agency's open-data infrastructure. English is the working language. Parma is a mid-sized Italian city with a high quality of life, lower cost of living than Brussels or Amsterdam, and easy rail access to Milan, Bologna, and Rome. EFSA offers temporary agent and contract agent positions, plus a structured traineeship programme.
How to Apply
EFSA recruits through its own careers portal at careers.efsa.europa.eu. Scientific roles require a relevant degree (typically MSc or PhD) and demonstrated experience in risk assessment or applied science. The selection process includes a written test (often a case study or scientific summary task), a competency-based interview, and references checks. EFSA's traineeship programme is open to recent graduates and runs in two cohorts per year.
