Vacancy Notice No. 2008/059
Position and Grade: Section Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit: Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section
Division of Human Health
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 1 September 2008
Application Deadline: 21 November 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 IAEA's technical cooperation programme, coordinated research projects, advisory services and the collection, analysis and dissemination of information.

The objectives of the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section, which conform with those of the Division, are to diagnose and treat patients safely and effectively by transferring technology in dosimetry and medical radiation physics and through the establishment of a quality assurance culture. Assistance to developing Member States is often provided through the technical cooperation programme.

The Division of Human Health has 4 Sections. Much of the work done by the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section in the area of diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancer, is done in collaboration with the Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section and the Nuclear Medicine Section.

Main purpose
As a team leader reporting to the Division Director, the Section Head plans, directs, coordinates and supervises, in line with the strategic directions of the Division, the IAEA activities in medical radiation physics, including quality assurance in radiation medicine, and in metrology of ionizing radiation, include the IAEA/WHO (World Health Organization) Network of Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratories (SSDLs). Both areas include leading the work at the IAEA dosimetry laboratory in Seibersdorf.

Role
The Section Head plays several key roles: (1) team leader and manager of a group of approximately 13 staff, ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section's activities at headquarters and at the dosimetry laboratory; (2) coordinator and officer responsible for the technical support of the Section to the IAEA's technical cooperation programme in the relevant fields; (3) coordinator and adviser to the Director on programmatic, scientific, and technical issues in the relevant fields; (4) IAEA secretary of the SSDL Network; (5) facilitator of the cooperation with other organizations and with other Divisions/Departments in the IAEA dealing with similar areas of work. The Section Head is responsible for the relevant administrative matters of the Section.

Partnerships
The Section Head works closely with senior counterparts in Member States and with colleagues in United Nations organizations to coordinate the Section's activities and to ensure that the IAEA's programme maintains its state-of-the-art level. He/she interacts closely with the Section staff and other managers and professional staff inside and outside the Division to coordinate and synergize the IAEA's activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Develop the subprogramme on quality assurance and metrology in radiation medicine in line with the strategic direction of the Division and a results-based framework, the recommendations from the biennial SSDL Scientific Committee (SSC) meeting and the expressed needs of Member States.
  • Supervise the subprogramme work at the IAEA dosimetry laboratory in Seibersdorf, including the operation of the Network of SSDLs and related laboratory activities, and the operation of the dose assurance and quality audit laboratory services.
  • Coordinate and provide technical support to technical cooperation projects on the subject area, with the aim of establishing a wide outreach and practical implementation of the IAEA's programme in Member States.
  • Plan and implement the activities of the subprogramme through efficient management of human, physical and financial resources.
  • Lead the Section in a manner that promotes both internal and external motivation and collaboration to ensure delivery of the programme objectives and optimize the outcome from the available resources.
  • Develop and introduce innovative means of helping developing countries to improve their national programmes related to the use and measurement of ionizing radiation.
  • Represent the scientific standing of the IAEA in the area at international conferences and liaise with colleagues of other international organizations, specifically with scientists at radiotherapy centres, standard dosimetry laboratories, the BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures), WHO, ICRU (International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements) and other relevant international organizations and committees.
  • Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in Member States to ensure the visibility and impact of the Section's activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Thorough knowledge of the physical aspects of medical radiation physics (radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, X-ray), with emphasis on practical experience in radiotherapy physics including clinical dosimetry and treatment planning, and of radiation safety measures at the hospital level, with emphasis on the protection of patients undergoing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures
  • Thorough knowledge of the different modalities and applications of radiation dosimetry, with emphasis on radiotherapy physics and on radiation metrology at the level of dosimetry laboratories performing ionization chamber calibration.
  • Recognized scientific status, demonstrable through recent international peer refereed publications, a good overall publications impact or index, invitations to lecture at international events, etc.
  • Familiarity with and understanding of the needs of developing countries in the relevant fields desirable.
  • Familiarity with the recommendations of the ICRU and other international organizations like ISO (International Organization for Standardization), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), etc.
  • Demonstrated ability for human and financial resource management with the ability to lead a team effectively, determining clear goals, roles and responsibilities and foster open communication among team members within a results-based framework.
  • Strong communication skills, including report writing and editing, as well as the ability to make effective oral presentations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • PhD in medical radiation physics with preferred focus on radiotherapy dosimetry.
  • At least 10 years of hospital experience in radiotherapy physics, including the clinical use of recent advanced techniques, and familiarity with medical physics in nuclear medicine and diagnostic X-rays.
  • Demonstrated experience in the measurement and dosimetry of ionizing radiation, according to recent protocols and developments for radiotherapy and radiodiagnostics, and including protection level. Familiarity with the work of standard dosimetry laboratories.
  • Demonstrated experience in the management of complex projects, including design, monitoring, implementation and management of human and financial resources.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English essential. Working knowledge of Spanish, Russian or French would be an advantage.

Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $75 432 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $52 878*, dependency benefits, diplomatic status, 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.