Helium Isotope Mass Spectrometry Specialist (P-3)

Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	1 September 2011
Application Deadline:	12 October 2011
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Isotope Hydrology Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications is responsible for planning and implementing the IAEA's water resources programme. The programme assists Member States in assessing and managing their water resources with isotope hydrology as an integral part of their scientific and institutional strengths. Major activities are focused on the effective use of isotope techniques for solving Member States' needs related to the use of surface and groundwater resources. Programme scope and implementation strategy are coordinated with other national and international organizations active in the water sector, as well as with related IAEA programmes such as the marine environment, food and agriculture, and technical cooperation programmes. The Isotope Hydrology Section consists of a Section Head and about 14 professional staff, eight technical staff, and a fully equipped laboratory. The Helium Isotope Mass Spectrometry Specialist reports to the Section Head, with an Isotope Analyst as the primary supervisor, and works in a team environment with other professionals in the Section and the Isotope Hydrology Laboratory.

Main purpose

As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Helium Isotope Mass Spectrometry Specialist contributes to a results-oriented programmatic response to Member States' priorities in the application of nuclear technologies to meet their development goals related to water resources. Specifically, she/he is will operate a helium/noble gas isotope mass spectrometer and related analytical facilities for the measurement of helium and noble gas isotopes used for the determination of water age. In addition, the Specialist will be involved with data processing and interpretation as well as training of IAEA and Member State staff in field sampling and laboratory analysis.

Role

The Helium Mass Spectrometry Specialist is: (1) a technical specialist, providing expertise in the operation and maintenance of noble gas analysis facilities; (2) a programme developer and implementer, assisting in planning, and developing the IAEA's programme in the area of groundwater dating for water resources management, and; (3) a technical expert, planning and conducting basic technical meetings and technical review missions, and assisting in the evaluation of Technical Cooperation (TC) projects, and promoting, coordinating and evaluating moderately complex Research Projects (CRPs) in the area of water resources management.

Partnerships

The Helium Mass Spectrometry Specialist works closely with staff in the Section to support analytical needs of coordinated research and technical cooperation projects and related normative activities. He/she also works with colleagues in the Department of Technical Cooperation to support national, regional and interregional projects under the IAEA's technical cooperation programme. The Specialist also interacts with national, regional, and international water resources management organizations and research centres.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of a helium/noble gas mass spectrometer and related sample preparation facilities under the supervision of a senior professional staff member and in cooperation with one or two technical staff members. Responsible for the use, maintenance and update of computer programmes used for controlling mass spectrometers. Assist in the testing and development of field techniques for sampling aimed at facilitating a wider use of isotope data. Contribute to the organization of and participates in seminars, workshops, expert missions and training courses. Plan, manage and implement projects aimed at water resources management practices, techniques and technologies. Prepare materials for publication as internal or external reports and contribute to programme formulation through suggestions for research and development activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proven expertise in the operation and maintenance of a VG5400 mass spectrometer for helium and other noble gas analysis and related equipment. Strong planning and coordination skills and ability to communicate project results effectively to diverse audiences. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Published reports/papers documenting the ability to formulate projects, analyse technical and scientific information and to write clearly and concisely.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

PhD in physics, chemistry or geosciences. Minimum of five years of working experience, including substantial post-doctoral experience, in the operation, maintenance and use of a helium/noble gas mass spectrometer. Experience in the development/maintenance of computer software used in noble gas mass spectrometry. Experience in high quality research related to noble gases as evidenced in publications in reputable scientific journals. Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) desirable.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $56 018 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $37 532*, 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 Complete an Online Application * 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.