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:	12 May 2011
Application Deadline:	7 June 2011
Type of Appointment:	Fixed term (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)
CCOG codes:	2.J.02

Organizational Setting

The Isotope Hydrology Laboratory Unit in the Isotope Hydrology Section of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications is responsible for implementing activities related to analytical methods and related training as a part of the IAEA's Water Resources Programme. The Programme assists Member States in assessing and managing their water resources integrating isotope hydrology as an integral part of their capabilities. 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 Laboratory provides assistance to Member States through analytical quality assurance activities, provision of training for field and analytical methods and the measurement of environmental isotopes in water samples collected as part of global monitoring networks and hydrological studies.

The working environment allows for some degree of independence and supervision received provides developmental and technical support. The Supervisor assigns tasks and provides instructions, if needed. In the Laboratory environment, the Laboratory Technician can be potentially exposed to some hazards.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Unit Head, the Laboratory Technician will support and perform troubleshooting, maintenance and/or development of analytical and field equipment used in connection with isotope analysis of water and dissolved gases. He/she will also backstop in the maintenance of a dedicated database and a local area network, as well as in training activities related to isotope analysis.

Working Relationships

The incumbent will be working in a team environment interacting with colleagues in the Unit and Isotope Hydrology Section (IHS), local suppliers, technical services of commercial firms, trainees and scientists from Member States. Contacts involve information exchange, discussions and enlisting support on implementation of field studies or training programmes and other technical service matters.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Regular maintenance of mass spectrometers, liquid scintillation counters and laser-based isotope analysers used for the measurement of stable isotopes, tritium and noble gases. Maintenance involves trouble-shooting, minor repairs and following other technical instructions from Supervisor.
Backstops for colleagues in the maintenance and upgrade of a local area network and a dedicated database operated by the Isotope Hydrology Laboratory.
Under the guidance of Supervisor, develops, constructs and tests sampling equipment for dissolved gases in water and other instruments.
Guides trainees in the use and operation of sampling and analytical equipment used at the IHS.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Background in mechanical and/or electronics engineering aspects relevant to mass-spectrometric and laser systems employed at the Isotope Hydrology Laboratory.
Extensive experience in vacuum techniques, use and maintenance of mechanical instruments and electronics is an asset.
Good computer skills, including experience with programming of scientific instruments.
Knowledge of local computer networks and their administration desirable.
Ability to carefully follow laboratory procedures in a safe manner.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education and Experience

Completed secondary education. Post-secondary studies in Chemistry, Physics or Engineering desirable.
At least seven years of relevant working experience in analytical laboratories.
Fluency in both oral and written English (Level 2 as per IAEA standard) essential. Knowledge of German desirable for interaction with local suppliers and technical services of commercial firms. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €38 791 (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 at http://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. 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.