Vacancy Notice No. 2007/224
Position and Grade: Laboratory Technician (G-4) (Monaco grade)
Organizational Unit: Radiometrics Laboratory
IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories (IAEA-MEL), Monaco
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Monaco
Issue Date: 15 May 2007
Application Deadline: 12 June 2007
Type of Appointment: Fixed term Temporary Assistance (subject to a probationary period of 6 months)
CCOG Code: 2.J.02

Organizational Setting
The Radiometrics Laboratory is one of three sections in the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories (MEL) in Monaco. Staffed by six professional and seven support staff, its aim is to develop and improve the marine radioactivity monitoring and assessment capabilities of IAEA Member States, and to use radionuclides as tracers of marine processes. It provides Member States with assistance in sampling missions, the analysis of radionuclides in the marine environment, the development of new radioanalytical methods, applications of nuclear and isotopic tracers in oceanographic studies, the production of marine reference materials for radionuclides, and capacity building and training.

Assignment
Under the general supervision of the Head of the Radiometrics Laboratory, the incumbent will:
  • Collect and pre-treat marine environmental samples in the laboratory and during marine research expeditions;
  • Perform radiochemical analysis of marine environmental samples;
  • Evaluate and interpret conventional spectrometry measurements (alpha, beta and gamma);
  • Prepare tables, graphs and internal reports describing analytical results;
  • Investigate and measure characteristics of detectors in the underground counting laboratory, and perform in situ analysis of radionuclides in the marine environment;
  • Provide general support to other activities in the radiochemistry laboratories.

NOTE: This is not an established Agency post. It is a Fixed-Term Temporary Assistance appointment, presently foreseen for a period up to two years, subject to the availability of funds and programme needs.

Education and Experience
  • Completed secondary education.
  • At least four years of relevant laboratory experience in the analysis of environmental samples.
  • Experience with the radiochemical analysis of marine environmental samples and analysis with conventional radiation detectors highly desirable.
  • Experience with the preparation and participation in marine research cruises highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of basic radiochemical procedures, radioactivity counting methods and good laboratory practices.
  • Ability to prepare environmental samples, perform basic radiochemistry analyses and use radiation spectrometry systems.
  • Good physical condition and strength, as the work involves physical effort and is carried out in different environments such as laboratories on ships.
  • Proven skills to take initiative in the organization of the work, establish priorities, meet objectives, respect deadlines, and make recommendations on techniques, procedures and sampling missions.
  • English typing and grammar tests to IAEA standard. Ability to contribute inputs to scientific reports, including tables and figures, describing the obtained results.
  • Good interpersonal skills to interact and work effectively in a multicultural research team with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Excellent knowledge of both spoken and written English; knowledge of French desirable; knowledge of another official Agency language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) an advantage.

NOTE: The incumbent will be exposed, in the performance of his/her work, to radiation or radioactive substances and will be submitted to an appropriate monitoring programme, according to the Agency's Radiation Protection Rules and Procedures.

Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €29 247 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), six weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance.

How to Apply
Internal and external applicants need to complete an IAEA Personal History Form. Internal applicants are required to apply online at https://personnel.iaea.org. External applicants are required to apply online at http://www.iaea.org/About/Jobs. No e-mail or hard-copy application will be accepted. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. Applications received after the application deadline will not be considered. Applicants who do not comply with the aforementioned application guidelines or do not meet the essential requirements specified in this Vacancy Notice will not be considered.

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report. Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only. Outside applicants are required to supply to the Agency or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the Agency. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. 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 to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.