Laboratory Technician (G-5)

Organizational Unit:	Isotope Hydrology Laboratory Isotope Hydrology Section Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	14 February 2013
Application Deadline:	14 March 2013
Type of Appointment:	Either a Fixed-term appointment (if the candidate already holds a Fixed-term appointment) or Temporary-assistance appointment (in all other cases) may be offered, both subject to a probationary period of 1 year
CCOG codes:	2.J

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's major programme on nuclear techniques for development and environmental protection (Major Programme 2). This major programme comprises individual programmes in food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The major programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes. The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the following fields are supported. Production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in healthcare and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry. The Isotope Hydrology Section (IHS) is responsible for planning and implementing the IAEA's water resources programme. The programme assists Member States in the sustainable management of their water resources in all aspects, with isotope hydrology as an integral part of their scientific and institutional strengths. Major activities include internationally coordinated research, global isotope monitoring, capacity building, and technical assistance to Member States for the assessment, development and use of water resources. The Section also operates a well-equipped laboratory for the analysis of stable and radioactive isotopes. The laboratory trains counterparts in using analytical techniques for high-quality measurements of isotopes in water samples.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Team Leader of the Isotope Hydrology Laboratory, the Laboratory Technician provides analytical chemistry support for stable isotope analyses of a variety of hydrological sample matrices. Analytical support will include, but is not limited to, preparative and isotopic analyses of dissolved nutrients (e.g. nitrates, phosphates), tritium, dissolved gases and ionic species, liquid and gaseous H2O, measured by gas chromatography or elemental isotope-ratio mass-spectrometry, or by laser absorption spectroscopy.

Working Relationships

The Laboratory Technician will be working in an interdisciplinary team environment, interacting with colleagues in the Laboratory and the Section, with local suppliers, and with trainees from Member States. Interactions involve information exchange, technical discussions, presentations, participation in training programs, and interaction with suppliers.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Develop, test, and conduct preparative sample processing and conversion of a range of hydrologic samples to gases suitable for isotope-ratio mass spectrometry or laser absorption spectroscopy; Measure the stable isotopic composition of hydrological samples by gas chromatography or elemental analysis isotope-ratio mass spectrometry and laser absorption spectroscopy; Provide chemical analytical technical support to other staff in the Laboratory; Statistical data handling, processing, QA/QC tracking, and reporting of analytical and isotopic data.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Advanced preparative and analytical chemistry skills, including experience with wet chemical processing and conducting isotopic analysis using isotope-ratio and laser absorption spectroscopy; Working knowledge of gas and ion chromatographs, elemental analysers, and associated general laboratory analytical equipment; Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively in a team and across organizational boundaries, with the ability to establish and maintain working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Office 2010, which is the IAEA standard (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and knowledge of hardware; Ability to carefully follow laboratory procedures in a safe manner.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Completed secondary education with post-secondary degree or diploma in analytical or isotope geochemistry or related discipline; Minimum of five years of relevant working experience, preferably in analytical or stable isotope laboratories; English language test (level 2) to IAEA standard; Language skills: Good knowledge of spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of German desirable. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €41 082 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), six weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance.

How to Apply

Internal and external applicants need to complete an IAEA Personal History Form. Internal applicants are required to apply online at https://personnel.iaea.org. External applicants are required to apply online athttp://recruitment.iaea.org. You can find more information about employment opportunities and working at the IAEA at http://www.iaea.org/About/Jobs. No e-mail or hard-copy application will be accepted. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. Applications received after the application deadline will not be considered. Applicants who do not comply with the aforementioned application guidelines or do not meet the essential requirements specified in this Vacancy Notice will not be considered. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report. Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only.Outside applicants are required to supply to the IAEA or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the IAEA. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. 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 with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.