Vacancy Notice No. 2009/088


Position and Grade:	Nuclear Physicist (P-2)
Organizational Unit:	Nuclear Data Section Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	24 September 2009
Application Deadline:	6 November 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Nuclear Data Section (NDS), one of four Sections in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, is primarily responsible for the maintenance and provision of a number of high-quality nuclear databases and providing services to users worldwide.

The NDS working environment is dynamic and collaborative, involving interaction with external counterparts in Member States, from other international organizations and with members of the international scientific community. The Section consists of three Units covering the delivery of data services to users, nuclear data development and the provision of atomic and molecular data. The incumbent will work in the unit which deals with services to users . He/she will join the Section team of eleven professional and five support staff, as well as consultants who contribute periodically.

The NDS is responsible for the development and maintenance of a number of databases including EXFOR (Experimental Nuclear Reaction Data), a unique international database, which is a collection of experimental data covering neutron and charged particle induced reactions.

Main purpose

Reporting to the Head of the Nuclear Data Services Unit, the Nuclear Physicist contributes to the nuclear databases produced by the Unit, which assist Member States in enhancing the peaceful use of technology in fission and fusion energy technologies and non-energy applications. He/she also provides technical assistance at the request of the Member States. The most important area of work concerns the EXFOR database.

Role

The Nuclear Physicist is: (1) a data compiler, contributing to such IAEA nuclear databases as EXFOR and CINDA (Computer Index of Neutron Data); (2) a scientific secretary, who plans and contributes to moderately complex technical meetings, and (3) a technical specialist contributing to the development of computer tools for accessing the databases.

Partnerships

The Nuclear Physicist builds on the existing network of counterparts in Member State institutes, as well as colleagues in the IAEA, to exchange nuclear data and analysis and views in the technical area. She/he also oversees the work of programmers involved in the development of the databases and in web applications to provide user friendly interfaces to the Section's data.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Ensure the highest quality of scientific titles and abstracts in the compilation through thorough review and evaluation.
Prepare, in terms of searching, scanning, review and assessment, EXFOR entries from major journals, conference proceedings, books and reports published by different institutions.
Respond to requests from the network of internal and external collaborators on complex data retrieval.
Contribute database knowledge to nuclear reaction data centre meetings, workshops and scientific meetings presenting the work of the Section.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In-depth knowledge and experience in nuclear physics, specifically theoretical and experimental techniques.
Knowledge of the EXFOR format and experience in compilation are desirable.
Knowledge of common nuclear databases for fission and fusion energy and non-energy research.
Good 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;
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate work in a team environment, including facilitating discussion, participating in open debate, and formulating thoughts and ideas constructively;
- Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in nuclear sciences.
At least 2 years of experience in a relevant field.
Proven experience in the determination, compilation and application of nuclear data.
Experience in nuclear data evaluation is desirable.
Experience of working in a national/international nuclear physics organization or institute desirable.
Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or German, is desirable for abstracting scientific literature.

Remuneration

The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $44 679 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $31 141*, 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.