Vacancy Notice No. 2009/093


Position and Grade:	Medical Radiation Physicist - SSDL Officer (P-4)
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 November 2009
Application Deadline:	11 December 2009
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 and laboratory services and the collection, analysis and dissemination of information. The Division of Human Health has four Sections, including the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section.

The objectives of the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section, which conform to those of the Division, are to support the safe and effective diagnosis and treatment of patients 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. Much of the work done by the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section in the area of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancer, is done in collaboration with the Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section and the Nuclear Medicine Section.

The Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section operates a network of secondary standards dosimetry laboratories (SSDLs). The IAEA's dosimetry laboratory, which is the central dosimetry laboratory of the network, provides Member States with radiation measurement calibration and dose comparison services.

Main purpose

As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the incumbent will be the project officer in charge of the technical work of the IAEA/WHO (World Health Organization) network of SSDLs. He/she is expected to keep close contacts with his/her counterpart at the WHO, assess the level of work performance of the SSDLs, and propose and organize activities in order to implement the recommendations of the SSDL Scientific Committee.

Role

The SSDL Officer is: (1) an operational leader of the IAEA/WHO network of SSDLs; and (2) a manager, supporting research and technical cooperation projects in the field of dosimetry and calibrations.

Partnerships

The SSDL Officer works closely with Section colleagues and other IAEA professionals, and maintains an international network of secondary standards dosimetry laboratories. He/she works closely with his/her counterpart at the WHO.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Review, assess and report on the work performance of about 80 laboratories that are members of the network.
Plan and manage calibration and dosimetry comparisons with SSDLs.
Prepare and review laboratory procedures and measurements of calibrations and comparisons conducted at the dosimetry laboratory.
Manage coordinated research projects in the field of dosimetry and comparisons.
Support technical cooperation projects in the field of dosimetry and medical physics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge at the level of an international expert in dosimetry of ionizing radiation.
In-depth knowledge of international requirements regarding dosimetry standards and of calibration procedures used for radiotherapy, radiation protection and diagnostic radiology.
Good knowledge of technologies used in radiotherapy, diagnostic radiology and radiation protection instrumentation.
High motivation to meet the dosimetry needs of developing countries through the design and implementation of relevant projects.
Planning and organizing: Ability to work in a multitasking environment.
Communication skills: Strong ability to make effective oral and written presentations to audiences of diverse skill levels.
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.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree, PhD or equivalent in dosimetry or medical radiation physics.
At least 7 years' experience in dosimetry and calibration related work, which should include at least 4 years in a primary or secondary standards dosimetry laboratory.
Demonstrated experience in quality management system for standards dosimetry laboratories.
Demonstrated experience in project design, monitoring and implementation.
Experience in radiation dosimetry research activities as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
Fluency in written and spoken English. 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 $64 521 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $45 939*, 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.