Vacancy Notice No. 2008/030
Position and Grade: Atomic Physicist (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Nuclear Data Section
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 1 August 2008
Application Deadline: 30 September 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is one of several divisions and laboratories in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. It is responsible for carrying out IAEA activities to assist and advise Member States in assessing their needs for research and development in the nuclear sciences, as well as in supporting their activities in specific fields, including: industrial applications of radiation and isotopes; isotope hydrology and geochemistry; nuclear and analytical chemistry; atomic and nuclear data for applications; plasma physics applications; controlled nuclear fusion; production of radioisotopes and labelled compounds; radiation chemistry; and utilization of research reactors.

The operating environment is dynamic, participative and interactive with inputs received from the Board of Governors, the General Conference, policy and decision-makers, and technical counterparts in Member States and the international development community.

The Atomic Physicist reports to the Head of the Nuclear Data Section.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Atomic Physicist participates in project activities, develops international guidelines, assists Member States to enhance the peaceful use of technology in fusion energy technologies, develops and implements new programmes on training, and provides technical assistance at the request of Member States.

Role
The Atomic Physicist is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, who assists in planning, developing the IAEA's programme in atomic and molecular database development to support fusion energy research worldwide; (2) a scientific secretary/technical expert, who plans and leads moderately complex Technical Meetings; and (3) a project officer, who promotes, coordinates and evaluates moderately complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) and data development projects in order to promote and develop atomic, molecular and plasma-surface interaction data in support of nuclear fusion energy research.

Partnerships
The Atomic Physicist engages high level counterparts in Member State institutes in order to undertake programme planning and implementation for the effective transfer and sharing of technical know-how. He/she promotes partnership building with appropriate UN organizations, NGOs and other relevant institutions. He/she participates in meetings with Member State representatives and with advisory groups to identify needs and respond to the interests of Member States in the various fusion installations and facilities.

Furthermore, the Atomic Physicist works closely with appropriate technical departments within the IAEA, Member States' institutions and other relevant international organizations to ensure the effective implementation of fusion installation activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Provide technical input to the planning, development and implementation of the IAEA's programme in the specific area of nuclear fusion energy research.
  • Plan and lead moderately complex Technical Meetings to define the evolution and assembly of atomic and molecular data for fusion applications, including preparing the scope of such work, selecting participants, and coordinating the preparation of reports and documents.
  • Develop action plans, organize and participate in seminars, workshops and training courses.
  • Promote, coordinate and evaluate moderately complex CRPs in Member States and conduct complex studies and assessments related to issues and trends. Develop international recommendations and guidance on plasma-based devices with a view to addressing the specific needs of Member States.
  • Plan, organize and conduct training for moderately complex technical topics.
  • Provide technical input to the preparation of reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • In-depth technical knowledge of atomic, molecular and plasma-surface interaction physics, and related theoretical and experimental techniques.
  • Thorough knowledge of common approaches to fusion energy research, modelling and diagnosis of fusion plasmas, information support as well as international undertakings in this area.
  • Substantial knowledge of bilateral and other fusion support programmes and the sustainability of advisory support.
  • Proven ability to work in sensitive fusion data environments and the ability to balance business needs, installation and instrumentation requirements.
  • Familiarity with the IAEA databases on atomic, molecular and nuclear data.
  • Familiarity with the management of CRPs.
  • Interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels and scientists and technical staff from Member States;
    • Ability to facilitate working in a team environment with scientific, technical and administrative staff and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries;
    • Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university degree (preferably PhD) in atomic/molecular physics, or a related field.
  • At least seven years experience in applied atomic physics, of which at least half should have been at the international level.
  • Managerial experience in connection with atomic, molecular and plasma-surface interaction physics, and theoretical and experimental techniques.
  • Proven experience in nuclear fusion related data activities.
  • Extensive experience in numeric database development and maintenance techniques.
  • Experience of working in a national/international fusion organization or institute desirable.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English essential.

Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $63 052 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $49 685*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance.

How to apply to the IAEA

* Subject to change without notice

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. 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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.