Analytical Chemist (P-3)

Duty Station:	Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date:	15 May 2013
Application Deadline:	26 June 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term extrabudgetary, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for some 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically challenging environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political diversity of the countries. The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions: three Operations Divisions: A, B and C, for the implementation of verification activities around the world; three Technical Divisions: Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services; as well as two Offices: the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services. The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental swipe samples, as well as the coordination of logistics and the Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL). Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, the office is organized into three sections: The Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML) including the On-Site Laboratory (OSL) in Japan, the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section. The project entitled "Enhancing Capabilities of the Safeguards Analytical Services" (ECAS) was established to ensure that the IAEA's Safeguards Analytical Laboratory and the Network of Analytical Laboratories continue to be able to provide the necessary analytical support for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental samples in a cost-effective, timely and reliable manner. The Transition Team, which has been established to transfer laboratory operations from the leased facility of the Austrian Institute of Technology in Seibersdorf to the newly constructed Nuclear Material Laboratory, will be part of the ECAS Project Management Group, which will ensure the smooth transfer of laboratory activities (equipment and staff), related infrastructure (site development) and security (access control and surveillance).

Main purpose

The Analytical Chemist plays a major role in the chemical treatment and measurement of safeguards inspection samples in the uranium laboratory. He/she takes part in SGAS quality management activities and contributes to continual process improvements. He/she participates in the implementation of actions and tasks relating to radiation protection and safety activities of NML.

Role

The Analytical Chemist is (1) a team player working with the other chemists of the Uranium Laboratory and technical staff in the instrumentation areas where final measurements take place, and (2) atechnical specialist carrying out complex chemical procedures, improving existing procedures, and modifying or devising procedures for new applications when necessary.

Partnerships

The Analytical Chemist works closely with technical staff in the NML and the OSL to process and analyse a variety of nuclear material samples. A close partnership with the NML Analytical Services Office is also required in order to ensure that measurement results are properly reported relative to pre-assigned quality control levels. The incumbent is primarily supervised by the Head of the Project Management Group (ECAS) and also reports to the Mass Spectrometry Specialist (ICP-MS).

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provide technical expertise and support in the processing of hundreds of samples containing U, and ensure that analytical results meet pre-established quality requirements with regard to chemical controls, blanks and repeat analyses. Perform elemental and isotopic analysis of nuclear samples by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Continually improve the chemical treatment of U samples such that processing times and quality are met or surpassed, and waste streams are minimized. Provide recommendations and options to the Chemistry Team Leader for decisions on the chemical approach to take for non-routine uranium samples. Maintain a current knowledge in the wet chemistry field pertaining to U by communicating regularly with other members of the scientific community, vendors and other safeguards colleagues outside of the IAEA working in related fields.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following techniques: analytical chemistry, radiochemistry, uranium chemical separation techniques. Demonstrated knowledge in the fields of ICP-MS as applied to the elemental and isotopic analysis of actinide elements, primarily U and Pu. Familiarity with isotope dilution techniques and the use of chemical traces for spiking U materials. Familiarity with working in fume hoods and with making high-precision weighing measurements. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems for data organization and reporting. Interpersonal skills: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relations among laboratory staff and management; Demonstrated ability to facilitate work in a team environment with scientific, technical and administrative staff, and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries; Willingness to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in analytical chemistry or a related field. Minimum of five years of experience in an analytical laboratory processing or measuring samples with actinides (U, Pu, Np, Am). Minimum of two years of that experience should preferably be in an international environment. Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of German an asset.

NOTE: The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $56 091 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $34 664*, 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.