IAEA Research Scientist (P-4)

Organizational Unit:	Radioecology Laboratory IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories (IAEA-MEL), Monaco Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Monaco
Issue Date:	26 March 2013
Application Deadline:	7 May 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications (NA) implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on 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 the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes. The IAEA Environment Laboratories (NAEL) consist of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division implements the IAEA Environment Programme and operates in a complex matrix environment with inputs from many parts of the organization, such as the Department of Technical Cooperation for the implementation of projects, and also collaborates with other Departments. The Radioecology Laboratory's mission is to improve knowledge about the behaviour and fate of radionuclides and other contaminants in the environment, with a particular emphasis on the biosphere. It aims to assist and enhance Member States' capabilities in the field of radioecology and its applications to ecotoxicology and biogeochemistry.

Main purpose

As part of a team led by the Laboratory Head, the Research Scientist implements the Receptor Binding Assay Technology (RBA) technology in REL and carries out laboratory experimental research using radiotracer, radio-assay, and stable isotopic tracer techniques aimed at assessing (1) the transfer, biokinetics, and effects of radionuclides and other contaminants, including Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) toxins, in wild or cultured fish, shellfish and other target organisms, (2) the transfer of radionuclides and other contaminants, including HABs toxins, through coastal food chains leading to fisheries and aquaculture products and marine wildlife, (3) the impact of environmental and climate changes, including ocean acidification, on fate, behaviour and effects of radionuclides and other contaminants, including HABs toxins, and (4) the application of such data to the growing area of coastal zone management and monitoring.

Role

The Research Scientist is 1) a conceptual thinker, conceptualizing the scientific problems, 2) a planner of the necessary experiments, 3) an analyst, evaluating data for eventual publication, and 4) a technical and scientific writer, drafting technical reports and scientific manuscripts for publication.

Partnerships

The Research Scientist establishes and maintains in-house and external partnerships to develop and implement collaborative studies on the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques to study ecotoxicology and the transfer of contaminants, including HAB toxins, in ecosystems under environmental/climate change scenarios. He/she develops and implements externally-funded research projects aimed at supporting NAEL's sub-programme on Nuclear Techniques for Development of Land, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in coordination with national institutes and other international organizations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Plan and conduct experimental research using radiotracer and stable isotope techniques on transfer of radionuclides and other contaminants, including HAB toxins, in seafood and other biota, under environmental/climate change scenarios. Analyse and evaluate experimental data for the preparation of technical reports and scientific manuscripts for publication. Develop and implement collaborative projects with national institutes and international organizations to demonstrate the value of nuclear and isotopic applications in ecotoxicological and environmental/climate change research. Utilize natural and artificial radionuclides, radiotracers and stable isotopes to improve knowledge of biological transfer and environmental transport processes. Supervise the work of laboratory technicians, interns, trainees and fellows to improve their efficiency and develop their skills. Support technical cooperation projects relevant to the application of radiotracer and isotopic techniques to ecotoxicological and environmental/climate change issues, including HABs, of interest to Member States and also coordinated research projects initiated by the Radioecology Laboratory. Develop and implement new techniques, including the RBA technology, and exchange information with collaborators inside and outside NAEL at scientific meetings. Represent the IAEA at relevant intergovernmental fora.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Specialized knowledge in marine biology and ecology in order to properly plan experimental studies and analyse and interpret their results on trace element, radionuclide, or biotoxin behaviour and fate in seafood and other biota and transfer through specific life stages, food webs and ecosystems, under environmental/climate change scenarios. Good knowledge of the biogeochemistry of organic and inorganic contaminants and radionuclides, and analyses of these contaminants by a number of spectrometric and radiometric techniques. In-depth knowledge of the biochemistry and toxicology of HABs toxins, and measurement of these molecules using the RBA. In-depth knowledge of radiotracer techniques for carrying out laboratory experimental studies on the transfer of radionuclides and other contaminants, including HABs toxins, in ecosystems. Good knowledge of the bioaccumulation and effects of metals, organics, and radionuclides in marine organisms. Good knowledge of ocean acidification chemistry and biological impacts. Good planning and organizing skills with the ability to be flexible and to work independently. Strong analytical skills: ability to articulate, conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas as well as impart knowledge and training. 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 work in a team environment with scientific, technical and administrative staff and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries; Proven ability to work in a multicultural/multidisciplinary team with respect and sensitivity for diversity. Supervisory capabilities and ability to support and cooperate with others. Knowledge of the needs of developing countries in the field of work.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree (or equivalent experience) in marine sciences (e.g. marine biology, marine biochemistry, marine toxicology or oceanography). Minimum of seven years of working experience in the study of experimental radioecology and/or ecotoxicology and the transfer of contaminants in marine systems using nuclear techniques. Experience in the study of ecotoxicology or toxicology of marine biotoxins using nuclear and/or isotopic techniques essential. Experience in ocean acidification studies and its biological impacts an asset. Proven record of relevant publications in international, peer-reviewed, scientific journals. Fluency in spoken and written English essential. Working knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish), especially French, would be an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 483 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $43 527*, 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. 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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.