Vacancy Notice No. 2008/048
Position and Grade: Atomic Physicist (P-3)
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. The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences 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: atomic and nuclear data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion; plasma physics applications; production of radioisotopes and labelled compounds; industrial applications of radiation and isotopes; nuclear and analytical chemistry; radiation chemistry; utilization of research reactors; and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.

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

The Atomic Physicist reports directly to a dedicated leader in atomic and molecular data (and relevant databases) and through this route to the Head of the Section.

Main purpose
As a member of a small team led by a specialist in atomic and molecular data, the Atomic Physicist is involved in project activities, developing atomic and molecular databases for both general and highly-specific applications in fusion energy research, planning and implementing programmes to assist and train Member States to enhance their abilities in the development and operation of fusion facilities, and providing technical assistance at the request of Member States.

Role
The Atomic Physicist plays several key roles in the Section: (1) as a programme developer and implementer, he/she assists in planning and developing the IAEA's programme in a specific area of atomic physical science; (2) as a technical expert, plans and conducts basic technical meetings and basic technical reviews; (3) as a technical and project officer, evaluates projects, and promotes, coordinates and evaluates moderately complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) in atomic data and molecular data applications.

Partnerships
The Atomic Physicist interacts with appropriate counterparts in Member State institutes for the implementation of fusion physics and atomic/molecular data activities; works in a team with other IAEA officers on specific projects relevant to these fields of activity; consults with staff in other departments on the Section's activities; and participates in the development of technical reports and training courses.

He/she works closely with appropriate technical departments within the IAEA, Member State institutes and other relevant international organizations to ensure the effective implementation of fusion physics and atomic/molecular data activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Provide technical input to the development, and contribute to implementation of, the IAEA's programme in the specific areas of atomic and molecular data studies and applications.
  • Plan and conduct Technical Meetings in atomic and molecular data studies and applications, and provide substantive technical input, including assistance in preparing the scope, selecting participants and coordinating the preparation of reports and documentation.
  • Plan and lead review studies, and participate in and provide technical input to those studies, preparatory meetings and follow-up initiatives; provide technical input to the preparation of any resulting reports.
  • Provide technical evaluation of projects, develop action plans and plan, organize and participate in workshops and training courses.
  • Promote and coordinate moderately complex CRPs, and conduct basic studies and assessments related to their agreed work programmes.
  • Plan, organize and conduct training for relevant topics with respect to atomic/molecular data and their fusion energy applications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • In-depth knowledge of atomic and molecular databases, plasma-surface interaction physics and related state-of-the-art techniques.
  • Awareness of atomic and molecular data needs for fusion, and the most suitable means of meeting these demands.
  • Substantial knowledge of atomic and molecular data support programmes.
  • Good computer skills, particularly in standard office and database applications.
  • Strong communication (spoken, written and presentation) and training skills.
  • Interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels and with 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, plasma-surface interactions, or a related field.
  • At least five years of experience in applied atomic, molecular and/or plasma-surface interaction physics at the national and international level.
  • Proven experience in the assembly and usage of atomic and molecular databases.
  • Experience in organizing training courses, workshops and seminars 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 $52 408 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $41 298*, 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.