Vacancy Notice No. 2008/705
Position and Grade: Analytical Chemist (P-3)
Organizational Unit: Chemical Analysis Unit
Safeguards Analytical Laboratory
Agency's Laboratories (Seibersdorf and Headquarters)
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date: 22 September 2008 (re-opened on 10 February 2009)
Application Deadline: 27 February 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term Temporary Assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Agency's Laboratories (NAAL) are located in Seibersdorf, approximately 45 km south of Vienna. Their main objective is to contribute to the implementation of the Agency's programmes in food and agriculture, human health, physical and chemical sciences, water resources, industry, environmental management (terrestrial), radiation protection and safeguards verification.

The Safeguards Analytical Laboratory (SAL) of NAAL is an ISO 9001 accredited laboratory that performs nuclear chemical analyses and isotopic determinations of samples taken by safeguards inspectors, and provides support to the Department of Safeguards in connection with its commitments under comprehensive safeguards agreements and additional protocols. The SAL consists of 3 units and 1 group: the Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry and Clean Laboratory Units, and a Quality Assurance and Information Technology Group. The main function of the Chemical Analysis Unit is the receipt, chemical treatment, and analysis of nuclear material samples taken during IAEA inspections conducted across the world. The Unit is responsible for reporting results to the Department of Safeguards. The Unit is also engaged in the quality management of data produced by the On-Site Laboratory in Japan, which is a joint IAEA-Japan laboratory associated with the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant.

Main purpose
As a team leader led by the Head of the Chemical Analysis Unit, to carry out a variety of supervisory, technical, and small research and development functions in the nuclear chemistry laboratories.

Role
The Analytical Chemist is a technical specialist, an innovator of analytical techniques and methods, a supervisor of staff carrying out complex operations in the field of sample processing, and a planner of the use of staff and equipment, the procurement of new laboratory equipment and the introduction of new analytical procedures.

Partnerships
The Analytical Chemist provides guidance to the Analytical Services Office, which is part of the Chemical Analysis Unit, on methodologies and procedures to maintain a smooth sample flow through the laboratories within available resources (human, equipment, etc.). The incumbent coordinates and guides the logistics of sample flow and analysis throughout the nuclear material laboratories of SAL. Additionally, he/she must coordinate closely with the Analytical Services Officer and the Supervisor of the Clean Laboratory on day-to-day operations and the handling of special samples.

The Analytical Chemist briefs staff at various levels throughout NAAL and the Department of Safeguards on analytical results, new capabilities developed and challenges requiring support from other staff to contribute to problem resolution.

He/she also cooperates closely with the mass spectrometrists and radiometrists within SAL and throughout NAAL, and collaborates with Member State experts to exchange knowledge and experience to improve analytical capabilities and the timeliness of analytical results.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Assure that the timeliness and accuracy of analytical results returned to the Department of Safeguards fall within established quality limits.
  • Act as a task officer for Support Programme tasks, involving close supervision of the work performed by the contractor and the setting of goals. Identify areas where Support Programme tasks would result in the transfer of valuable technology to the Unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • In-depth knowledge of analytical chemistry, especially as applied to principles and practices with respect to plutonium, uranium and other actinides.
  • Strong expertise in the chemical treatment of nuclear material samples, especially with regard to uranium and plutonium.
  • Knowledge of computer programming and statistical analysis of data desirable.
  • Supervisory skills: Ability to demonstrate supervisory capabilities in setting goals for staff.
  • Interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
    • Ability to work as a team member in a cooperative manner with other colleagues to achieve collaborative organizational goals.
  • Diagnostic skills: Demonstrated ability to grasp the important aspects of complex issues and make expeditious and firm decisions based on sound judgement.
  • Communication skills: Strong ability to deliver written and oral information clearly, both in informal and formal settings.
  • Planning and organizing: Ability to plan the use of staff and equipment to meet changing customer requirements, to arrange the procurement of items ranging from routine supplies to complex laboratory instrumentation, and to seek out new analytical procedures or methods with the goal of continuous improvement.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in analytical chemistry or a closely related field.
  • At least five years of experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry, with special emphasis on the analysis of plutonium and uranium; practical analytical experience, e.g. controlled potential coulometry, potentiometric titration, K-edge X-ray absorption or fluorescence analysis and absorption spectrophotometry would be a strong asset;
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of German would be an asset.

NOTE: The incumbent of the post will be considered to be a radiation worker and be subject to an appropriate programme of physical and special medical surveillance arranged by the IAEA.

NOTE: This is not an established Agency post. It is fixed term temporary assistance post, subject to the availability of funds.

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 $31 550*, 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.