Vacancy Notice No. 2008/038
Position and Grade: Radiation Oncologist (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section
Division of Human Health
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 1 August 2008
Application Deadline: 15 September 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The main objective of the Division of Human Health is to enhance Member States' capabilities to address their needs related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health problems through the development and application of nuclear techniques within a framework of quality assurance. Priorities are given to the needs of developing countries. Delivery mechanisms are through the Agency's technical cooperation programme, coordinated research projects, advisory services, and the collection, analysis and dissemination of information, and the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT).

The Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section is one of four sections in the Division of Human Health. Its primary objective is to enhance Member States' capabilities to establish sound policies concerning radiotherapy and cancer treatment, and to ensure the effective and efficient utilization of current and future advanced cancer radiotherapy treatment technologies.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Radiation Oncologist: (1) coordinates and supports research, provides technical and advisory services and collects, analyses and disseminates information related to radiation therapy as applied to cancer treatment; (2) initiates activities in the field of radiotherapy aiming at upgrading radiotherapy capabilities and research in developing countries to help improve cancer cure rates in safe clinical practice; and (3) develops guidelines, training material and teaching programmes in radiation oncology for developing countries.

Role
The Radiation Oncologist is a: (1) technical adviser and research coordinator, helping to ensure the efficient and effective development and implementation of research and training; (2) adviser, providing expertise to the Section, Division and other IAEA staff on programmatic, scientific and technical matters; (3) team member, striving to improve the team activities and team approach aimed at providing high quality service and sustainable development in practices and improved cancer care in Member States in the field of radiation oncology.

Partnerships
The Radiation Oncologist engages national counterparts in Member States' institutions in the area of programme planning and implementation to ensure the effective transfer and sharing of technical information and knowledge on the priorities in the field and develops partnerships with appropriate UN and other international organizations and institutions to improve coordination of activities, and information-sharing. The incumbent collaborates and works closely on technical cooperation activities with both intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure the effective utilization of technical inputs to programme design and implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Develop and implement coordinated research projects related to radiation therapy as applied to cancer treatment, including the evaluation of research contracts, organization of research coordination meetings and the publication of results.
  • Plan and organize scientific and advisory meetings to review current knowledge in radiation oncology and to plan for future activities within the field.
  • Develop and implement activities in the field of radiotherapy aiming to upgrade radiotherapy capabilities and research in developing countries to help improve cancer cure rates in safe clinical practice.
  • Support the technical cooperation programme through the evaluation of relevant project requests, the development of work plans, the implementation of expert assignments, training activities, the recommendation of suitable equipment and by participating in missions to IAEA recipient countries. Provide technical input in the field of radiation oncology to PACT.
  • Coordinate work with other national and international organizations and collaborates on joint Section/Division initiatives and cross-cutting activities.
  • Prepare reports, proceedings and scientific publications on radiation oncology and related activities.
  • Represent the IAEA at international meetings and conferences as required.

NOTE: The incumbent may 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • In-depth understanding of current radiation oncology evidence-based practice, investigative clinical studies and potential future trends.
  • In-depth knowledge of radiation oncology and medical aspects of quality assurance.
  • Broad knowledge of cancer control.
  • Familiarity with the needs and conditions of developing countries would be an advantage.
  • Analytical skills.
  • Initiating action: Ability to take initiative and make appropriate decisions.
  • Communication skills:
    • Excellent presentation skills;
    • Ability to write and edit scientific and technical reports.
  • Interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to deal effectively with experts and national counterparts;
    • Ability to deal with conflicts;
    • Ability to work as a member of a team to achieve collaborative organizational goals;
    • Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • MD with specialization in clinical or radiation oncology, knowledgeable about comprehensive cancer management including surgery and drug treatment.
  • At least seven years of recent scientific experience in radiation therapy working in a cancer hospital and/or teaching institution.
  • Experience in clinical research as evidenced by recent publications in the field of specialization.
  • Clinical and administrative experience.
  • Good national and international standing in the area of specialization and association with international societies.
  • Experience in international project management and coordination.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be desirable.

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.