Vacancy Notice No. 2008/906
Position and Grade: Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer (P-3)
Organizational Unit: Nuclear Security Unit
Attended and Unattended Non-Destructive Assay Section
Division of Technical Support
Department of Safeguards
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 7 July 2008
Application Deadline: 20 August 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term Temporary Assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Division of Technical Support provides technical support to the Department of Safeguards. The Section for Attended and Unattended Non-Destructive Assay (NDA) is one of four sections in the Division and is mainly responsible for portable and resident NDA equipment. The Nuclear Security Equipment Laboratory (NSEL) is a group within the Section using the synergies in safeguards instrumentation and logistics to technically support the Office of Nuclear Security in the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.

Main purpose
Under the supervision and guidance of the Section Head and the Head of the NSEL, the Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer provides technical support for procurement, acceptance testing, and delivery and installation of equipment, as well as demonstration and training of front-line officers on the proper use of equipment.

Role
As an active member of the laboratory, the Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer acts as a substantive contributor and specialist in the implementation of nuclear security projects related to the application of radiation instruments/techniques for detection and response to criminal and unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material, as well as a technical specialist in the development of new radiation detection instruments/techniques and procedures. Building on his/her solid knowledge and experience in radiation detection and response, he/she prepares specifications, performs and supervises the acceptance testing of equipment acquired for donation to Member States, evaluates bids for procurement, and participates in technical missions and training events in Member States.

Partnerships
The Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer works closely with counterparts in the Office of Nuclear Security, acting as a focal point for specific detection and response instrument related concerns. He/she establishes and maintains a list of equipment supplied to Member States' institutions, addresses sustainability issues and facilitates programme delivery.

Functions / Key Results Expected
The Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer contributes to the programmatic goal to improve global security of nuclear material, other radioactive material, nuclear facilities, locations and transport. To do so, the incumbent supports the Office of Nuclear Security in the implementation of the programme for strengthening Member States' abilities to detect and respond to criminal and unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material. In particular:
  • Support procurement activities (drafting of procurement specifications, evaluation of bids, development and implementation of acceptance test procedures for portable and fixed installed equipment) for equipment purchased by the Office of Nuclear Security for donation purposes.
  • Ensure timely acceptance testing of acquired equipment, monitor delivery and support installation of equipment, effectively delegating tasks to junior staff as appropriate.
  • Participate in training events on instruments/techniques for combating illicit trafficking in Member States; develop and deliver lecture material for training events on equipment used to detect illicit trafficking activities and for identifying and characterizing any seized material.
  • Participate in IAEA-organized advisory, evaluation, and technical missions.
  • Address on-going R&D issues involving nuclear security by evaluating and monitoring the activities of any established coordinated research project.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Technical expertise: In-depth knowledge of available techniques and instruments for the detection and characterization of nuclear and radioactive material, preferably with respect to nuclear security applications. Working knowledge of radiation border monitoring equipment, technologies and methodologies preferred.
  • Excellent computer skills, especially MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and CAD (computer-aided design) software to prepare installation drawings.
  • Demonstrated communication skills: Ability to deliver training courses/lectures in a clear manner.
  • Strong interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels and with representatives of Member States;
    • Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Supervisory skills.
  • Good planning and organizing skills.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • University (or equivalent) degree in nuclear physics with in-depth theoretical and practical training in areas relevant to detecting nuclear and other radioactive material.
  • At least 5 years of relevant work experience in detection and characterization of nuclear and radioactive materials, preferably related to the combat of illicit trafficking.
  • Experience in evaluating and implementing various types of radiation detection equipment (gamma ray detectors: scintillation detectors - CsI, NaI, LaBr3, Li-6I, plastic; semiconductor detectors - HPGe, CdZnTe; neutron detectors: He-3 proportional counters, Li-6I).
  • Experience in gamma ray spectroscopy, particularly isotope identification (both with semiconductor and scintillation detectors).
  • Experience in testing radiation detection equipment, preferably portable and fixed installed border monitoring equipment.
  • Experience in developing, refining, and revising specifications and test procedures for radiation detection equipment, preferably for equipment related to border monitoring.
  • Experience in developing and delivering lectures and presentations regarding radiation detection technologies, preferably related to border monitoring and their uses.
  • Experience in working with radioactive sources.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French, German or Spanish desirable.

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 IAEA 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.