Nuclear Chemist - chemical thermodynamics

The OECD's mission - Better Policies for Better Lives - promotes policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. It provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems.

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) was established to assist its member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co-operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally friendly and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful uses. NEA's first priority focuses on safety and regulation of nuclear facilities.

We are looking for a Nuclear Chemist with relevant experience in the area of chemical thermodynamics, to serve as a project co-ordinator and database manager for the NEA Thermochemical Database (TDB) Project. Under the guidance of the TDB Project Management Board and working with a team of international experts, this will involve the collection and review of relevant technical information as well as the preparation of guidance reports for database users. The key output from the project is a set of reliable thermodynamic parameters that can be used to describe the behaviour of radionuclides under conditions relevant for radioactive waste disposal systems and the geochemical environments.

The selected candidate will work under the general supervision of the Head of the NEA Data Bank.

Main Responsibilities

1. Thermochemical Database Project Co-ordinator

• Ensure the management and co-ordination of the Thermochemical Database (TDB) Project, which develops and maintains a chemical thermodynamic database of selected chemical elements relevant to the modelling of radioactive waste disposal systems, in collaboration with the NEA Radiation Protection and Waste Management Division.

2. Meetings

• Act as scientific secretary of TDB Project Review Team meetings, including preparation of meetings, drafting of summary records and editing of technical reports.

3. Liaison and Outreach

• Develop good working relationships and close contacts with the TDB Project Management Board. Ensure close co-ordination with other activities within the NEA, particularly in the areas of waste management, as well as maintaining links with other international organisations active in the field of radionuclide behaviour.
• Lead and manage the junior scientist(s) involved in the TDB project in the Data Bank in order to proceed the TDB project smoothly.

4. Other Duties

• Carry out other related duties as assigned by the Head of the Data Bank.

Candidate's profile

Academic Background

• Advanced university degree in nuclear chemistry or equivalent.

Professional Background

• Three to seven years’ research experience in the nuclear sector (national laboratories or industry), specifically in the field of radionuclide behaviour.
• Management of a scientific and/or engineering research project.
• Management of a Technical Database.

Tools

Proficiency in the use of standard software applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Languages

Excellent knowledge of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French), including the ability to draft clear, concise, high-quality reports in this language; a good working knowledge of the other language.

Core Competencies

• Solid scientific competence in the field of chemical thermodynamics.
• Knowledge of the environmental and safety aspects of radioactive waste management would be an advantage.
• Ability to work as part of a multicultural team and to work harmoniously with colleagues inside and outside the Organisation.
• Capacity for self-motivation, the ability to work under minimum supervision and to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Please click here for a full description of the OECD Core Competencies Level 3.

Contract Duration

Fixed Term Appointment of Two Years with the Possibility of Renewal

What the OECD offers

Monthly base salary starting from 5 439.27 EUR exempt of French income tax, plus allowances based on eligibility.

NB\: The appointment may be made at a lower grade if the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant correspond to that grade.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

APPLY