Vacancy Notice No. 2008/101
Position and Grade: Fusion and Plasma Physicist (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Physics Section
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 27 November 2008
Application Deadline: 9 January 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Physics Section, one of four Sections in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, is responsible for planning and implementing activities for the facilitation of relevant R&D and fostering applications in areas related to plasma physics and fusion, and the effective utilization of research reactors and particle accelerators, including allied nuclear instrumentation, in order to enable Member States to avail themselves of the benefits of nuclear science and technologies.

The Physics Section supports capacity building in basic nuclear science in all the above areas in interested Member States with a view to supporting infrastructural facility creation and human resource development. The work will support knowledge sharing and dissemination of information through Technical Meetings, coordinated research projects and the biennial IAEA Fusion Energy Conferences. In cooperation with other institutions such as the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the incumbent will help to organize workshops and schools on fusion and plasma physics in close cooperation with the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) international organization.

The working environment in the Physics Section of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is dynamic and collaborative with interaction with external counterparts in Member States, from other international organizations and from the international scientific community. The Section is composed of about 10 scientists and support staff.

Main purpose
As a key member of a team led by the Section Head, the Fusion and Plasma Physicist is responsible for supporting international cooperation on fusion research activities and fostering the exchange of scientific results among the different partners. The Fusion and Plasma Physicist supports the Member States through enhancing international cooperation on fusion research activities and fostering the exchange of scientific results among the different partners.

Role
The Fusion and Plasma Physicist has several roles: as a (1) planner and coordinator, formulates, develops, organizes and implements the IAEA's activities on fostering enhanced cooperation in fusion energy development; and as a (2) facilitator, helps the Member States to establish networks of cooperation among small laboratories and main facilities and laboratories working on fusion and plasma physics.

Partnerships
The Fusion and Plasma Physicist is a member of the IAEA's team working on fusion and plasma physics in the Division and plays a critical role in establishing networks of cooperation with, as well as providing advice to, national and international technical experts and decision-makers, as well as small laboratories and main facilities and laboratories involved in fusion research and plasma physics. The Fusion and Plasma Physicist represents the IAEA in international initiatives on fusion and plasma physics, seeking synergies for technical expertise and inputs on international best practices, including interacting closely with ITER under the IAEA-ITER cooperation agreement.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Organize and implement activities (coordinated research projects, thematic meetings, workshops) to support novel applications of plasmas and fusion technology.
  • Serve as co-scientific secretary for the biennial IAEA Fusion Energy Conferences, and as scientific secretary in Technical Meetings and Research Coordination Meetings, and participate in other meetings as necessary.
  • Compile/coordinate the preparation of proceedings or technical reports and documents. Ensure the quality and timely updating of the IAEA's fusion world survey.
  • Evaluate and recommend novel and existing techniques in plasma physics that can be used by Member States to benefit from nuclear science and technology.
  • Facilitate recommendations for further R&D and the nature of support required in the above areas, particularly regarding innovative applications of plasmas and fusion technology oriented techniques.
  • Evaluate and recommend proposals for the award of research contracts and technical cooperation projects in the above fields.
  • Provide technical advice to technical cooperation projects in plasma physics and fusion research.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge in nuclear physics with specialization in plasma physics, fusion and atomic physics at an advanced level, including knowledge of state-of-the-art plasma physics and fusion facilities.
  • Technological awareness, by keeping abreast of available technologies; understanding the applicability and limitations of technologies; willingness to learn and utilize new technologies in the area of fusion research and plasma applications.
  • Planning and organizing skills:
    • Ability to develop clear goals and to identify priority activities and assignments and to adjust them as required;
    • Ability to allocate the appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work and to allow for contingencies when planning;
    • Ability to organize major meetings and conferences at the international level.
  • Knowledge of project management and evaluation of research proposals.
  • Ability to take the initiative in the field of work; ability actively to seek improvements to projects or services and willingness to learn from others.
  • Familiarity with the needs of developing countries in the field of applications of nuclear technology, with emphasis on plasma technology.
  • Communication skills: Demonstrated ability to write technical reports and make effective presentations in clear and understandable English.
  • Strong 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 in physics, nuclear physics or engineering, preferably a PhD, with specialization in plasma physics, fusion, or atomic physics.
  • At least 7 years of relevant experience in plasma physics and fusion, including the use of diagnostic tools for plasma analysis, computational investigative tools and new techniques; a minimum of 5 of those years should have been at a major plasma laboratory or fusion facility.
  • At least 3 years of the above experience in an international working environment would be an advantage.
  • Experience in education and training of researchers and technologists.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.

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 $31 526*, 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.