Vacancy Notice No. 2009/268


Position and Grade:	Laboratory Technician (G-4)
Organizational Unit:	FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory Agency's Laboratories (Seibersdorf and Headquarters) Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date:	3 November 2009
Application Deadline:	2 December 2009
Type of Appointment:	Fixed term Extrabudgetary (subject to a probationary period of 6 months)
CCOG code:	2.J.02

Organizational Setting

The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Laboratories are located in Seibersdorf, approximately 45 km south of Vienna. Their main objective is to contribute to the implementation of the IAEA's programmes in food and agriculture, human health, physical and chemical sciences, water resources, industry, environmental management (terrestrial), radiation protection and safeguards verification.

The activities of the FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, employing nuclear and related techniques, are an integral part of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme on Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. The FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory provides support to Member States of the IAEA and FAO to develop agricultural technologies and adapt them to local requirements and environmental conditions with a view to the efficient and sustainable use of these technologies.

The Soil Science Unit, in close collaboration with the Soil and Water Management & Crop Nutrition Section of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, is responsible for the development and transfer of technology related to the optimisation of soil, water and nutrient management practices in cropping systems, which support increased and sustainable crop production. This involves research and development, training and the provision of services to Member States.

Assignment

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Soil Science Unit and the direct supervision of a Senior Laboratory Technician, the Laboratory Technician will contribute and assist in the implementation of stable isotope analyses in support of the Unit's programme in Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition.

Assist senior technical staff in isotope analysis, including the preparation and measurement of soil, plant and water samples for N15/N14, C13/C12, O18/O16 and D/H isotope ratios on Integra-N, 20-20, Optima and Isoprime mass spectrometers.
Assist in the implementation of laboratory and greenhouse experiments, and in the training of fellows as requested by the supervisor.
Assist with the management of experimental data and quality assurance.
Assist in the implementation of various tasks of the Soil Science Unit as determined by the supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Good practical knowledge of various techniques frequently used in soil science.
Ability to assist senior technical staff in the use of isotope analytical equipment, such as liquid scintillation or gamma counters.
Ability to use judgement to undertake laboratory activities according to Good Laboratory Practices and to comply with the Quality Assurance System.
Ability to carry out assigned tasks to a high quality and in a timely manner under minimal supervision.
Proven skills to work accurately and to pay attention to detail.
Good communication and interpersonal skills combined with an ability to work in and adapt to a multicultural environment with sensitivity to and respect for diversity.
Familiarity with data analytical software desirable.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2003 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), which is the IAEA's standard.
English language test (Level 2).
Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of German an advantage.

Education and Experience

Completed secondary education.
Higher education or certified training in technical area desirable.
At least five years of relevant working experience.
Laboratory experience in the field of stable- and/or radio-isotope analyses and mass spectrometry, or in chemistry.
Experience in operating a mass spectrometer for special methods.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €32 526 (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 IAEA or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the IAEA. 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.