Closing date: Sunday, 23 April 2023
Clean Laboratory Chemist(P3)
( 2022/0800 (006655) )
Organization: SGAS-ESL Chemistry Team
Primary Location: Austria-Lower Austria-Seibersdorf-IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf
Job Posting: 2023-03-23, 12:57:12 PM
Contract Type : Fixed Term
Regular
Probation Period : 1 Year
Full Competitive Recruitment : Yes
This is a re-opening of the vacancy. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not re-apply.
Organizational Setting
The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA’s duties and responsibilities as the world’s nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.
The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.
The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and the Coordination and Support Section (CSS). The laboratory sections conduct the screening, chemical treatment and measurement of the inspection samples. The Coordination and Support Section provides a variety of key services to the laboratories, as well as managing the network of analytical laboratories. SGAS also manages analytical and inspection activities in a dedicated On-Site Laboratory at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.
Main Purpose
Reporting to the Team Leader of the Enviromental Sample Laboratory (ESL) Chemistry Team, the Clean Laboratory Chemist is responsible for the operational aspects of the ESL Chemistry Team which include the preparation of environmental samples for analysis by mass spectrometry and radiometry, the preparation of environmental sampling kits, and maintaining a suitable cleanroom working environment, under a laboratory quality management system.
Role
The Clean Laboratory Chemist is: (i) a technical specialist performing chemical separations of actinides for analysis by mass spectrometry techniques; (ii) an advisor in applying the principles of quality management to the work of the team; and (iii) a team player who ensures that all team operations are performed in compliance with IAEA regulations and laboratory best practices.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Participate in the preparation and analysis of environmental samples by destructive analysis techniques, performing the chemical separation of actinides and screening samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS);
- Ensure the quality of analytical results by following analytical procedures, while seeking opportunities for continual improvement to laboratory methods and techniques;
- Contribute to the production of environmental sampling kits in an ISO Class 5 cleanroom environment;
- Contribute to the production of QC materials for internal and external quality control programs;
- Ensure the laboratory equipment are maintained at the adequate level to provide fit-for-purpose analytical results;
- Contribute to the maintenance and operation of the laboratories to ensure the required quality standards;
- Keep abreast of developments in the field of environmental sample analysis and contribute to the implementation of new techniques and improved methodologies.
Competencies and Expertise
Core CompetenciesNameDefinition
Planning and Organizing
Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.
Communication
Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.
Achieving Results
Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.
Teamwork
Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.
Functional CompetenciesNameDefinition
Analytical thinking
Analyses information to identify cause and effect relationships and correlations. Identifies critical elements and assesses consequences of different courses of action and proposes solutions.
Knowledge sharing and learning
Actively seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge and information with others; shares specialized knowledge, skills and learning from experience across different situations and contexts effectively.
Technical/scientific credibility
Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.
Required ExpertiseFunctionNameExpertise Description
Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
In-depth experience with chemical separation methods for Thorium (Th), Uranium (U), Plutonium (Pu), and Americium (Am). Experience working with mass spectrometry techniques.
Asset ExpertiseFunctionNameExpertise Description
Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Experience working in a Cleanroom Environment.
Metrology
Quality Management
Experience in the implementation and/or administration of ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 quality management systems.
Chemistry
Radiochemistry
Experience with the analysis of actinide and non-actinide radioisotopes using radiometric methods.
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- Bachelor’s DegreeFirst University degree in Analytical Chemistry or related field.
- Minimum of five years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment working with chemical separation techniques.
- Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $62692 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 27835*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks’ annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance
Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged
Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.
