Radiochemistry Specialist (Terrestrial Environment Lab)(P3)

Job Description - Radiochemistry Specialist (Terrestrial Environment Lab)(P3) (2025/0114 (218998))

Organization

NAPC-Terrestrial Environmental Radiochemistry (TERC) Laboratory

Primary Location

Austria-Lower Austria-Seibersdorf-IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf

Job Posting

2025-02-04, 2:51:40 PM

Closing Date

2025-02-24, 10:59:00 PM

Duration in Months: 36

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Regular

Full Competitive Recruitment: Yes

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies.

The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision of the Head of the Terrestrial Environment Radiochemistry (TERC) Laboratory, the Radiochemistry Specialist is responsible for maintaining and operating the TERC radiochemical laboratory for environmental samples.

Role

The Radiochemistry Specialist is:

1. a provider of technical support and guidelines to users of radioanalytical techniques in Member State laboratories;
2. an instructor of trainees in the field of methodology and applications of radioanalytical techniques;
3. a specialist, providing substantive advice to other staff of the TERC Laboratory;
4. quality manager for proficiency test exercises.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Ensure that the target outputs of the programme are met in terms of analytical quality and timeliness by performing measurements of samples, including of environmental samples, candidate reference and proficiency test materials, using radiochemistry facilities and equipment and writing reports on the results.
2. Provide technical advice and guidelines on the effective use of radioanalytical equipment to Member States' laboratories; this includes the organization of technical meetings.
3. Contribute to the development and modification of instruments and advanced analytical methodologies for radiochemistry, and write scientific papers and reports.
4. Provide training and supervise fellows on methodology and applications of radioanalytical techniques.
5. Act as the quality manager for proficiency test exercises at the TERC laboratory and lead ISO17043 accreditation activities.

The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Bachelor's Degree - University degree in Chemistry or equivalent. PhD in Radiochemistry of environmental radioactivity an asset.

Minimum five years' working experience in radioanalytical techniques with an emphasis on radiochemistry.

Experience of ion exchange and extraction chromatography techniques for radionuclide separation and purification and experience of measurement techniques including alpha-spectrometry or liquid scintillation counting.

Experience of radioanalytical techniques for actinides (e.g. U, Th, Pu, Am), other natural radionuclides (e.g. Ra, Ac, Pb) and fission/activation products (e.g. Cs, Sr, C-14) is an asset.

Teaching experience in methodology and applications of radioanalytical techniques with an emphasis on radiochemistry.

Working experience in a laboratory quality system and awareness of related ISO standards.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Evaluation process

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information.

Appointment information

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.

Staff members may be assigned to any location.

Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.

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.