Senior Laboratory Technician, Seibersdorf, Austria
Closing Date: Tuesday, 04 March 2014
Vacancy Notice No. 2014/208
Position and Grade: Senior Laboratory Technician (G-6)
Organizational Unit: Mass Spectrometry Team
Environmental Sample LaboratoryOffice of Safeguards Analytical ServicesDepartment of Safeguards Duty Station: Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date: 4 February 2014
Application Deadline: 4 March 2014
Type of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)
CCOG codes: 2.J.02
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 for 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 (including the On-Site Laboratory in Japan), the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section.The Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) is responsible for the receipt, screening, analysis and distribution of environmental samples submitted by IAEA safeguards inspectors. Under the supervision of an ESL Mass Spectrometry Specialist, the incumbent performs ultra-sensitive isotopic analysis of actinide samples using advanced mass spectrometry systems, including multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). The incumbent is responsible for data reduction and uncertainty calculations using software templates, and ensuring the proper and accurate measurements in conformance to the requirements of the ISO 9001:2004 quality management system of the ESL. The incumbent works in an ISO Class 5 cleanroom laboratory for the preparation of diluted solutions or filaments, following established protocols that require attention to detail and technical judgment. The incumbent calibrates and monitors the performance of each instrument and troubleshoots problems that occur. The supervisor monitors the operation of the low-level mass spectrometry laboratory to ensure that quality and timeliness goals are met.
Working in the ESL is performed in close collaboration with other staff members to ensure a smooth and timely flow of connected activities such as sample transfer from chemists in the ESL Chemistry Team, waste collection and disposal and interaction with other ESL personnel for the prevention of contamination of the workplace.
The incumbent performs mass spectrometry measurements and oversees the daily operation of an environmental mass spectrometry laboratory. In particular, the incumbent shall:
- Measure sample fractions by multiple analytical techniques for up to 50 environmental samples per year by TIMS and MC-ICP-MS, including dilution of sample solutions, preparation of filaments, screening of samples for purity, data collection, data reduction, uncertainty analysis and reporting of results. Inform chemists on quality of analyses that might reflect on completeness of chemical separations;
- Participate in quality management practices, such as updating and review of QC charts, documentation in logbooks, participation in audits, and updating of procedures;
- Perform routine maintenance for two instruments and associated support equipment and work with Electronics Engineers in trouble-shooting problems;
- Participate in method development and validation for new projects and elements, actively enhancing skills in mass spectrometry;
- Present work at internal and external meetings.
- Sound working knowledge of TIMS and MC-ICP-MS mass spectrometry instrumentation and analytical procedures as applied to high sensitivity isotope ratio measurements of actinides, and working knowledge of vacuum systems and computer controlled electronics systems.
- Knowledge and understanding of ISO-9001 quality management system including documentation of procedures, quality control measures and method validation.
- Knowledge of data reduction and uncertainty estimation software (e.g. GUM Workbench) an asset.
- Commitment to quality to ensure accuracy, reliability, and timeliness. Capability to work within deadlines, flexibility in adjusting on short-notice from routine to highly urgent activities, as well as skills in organizing and handling several activities simultaneously, are highly desirable for this position.
- Knowledge of radiation protection an asset.
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively as a team member to achieve organizational goals.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Good communication skills, technical interaction with other staff members and laboratory management for feedback and work assignments.
- Completed secondary education. Post-secondary education in science, an asset.
- Minimum of six years of experience with high accuracy or high sensitivity isotopic analysis of actinides (U and Pu) by mass spectrometry, including both MC-ICP-MS and TIMS, at least five of which in analysis of radioactive samples.
- Practical experience with working in a clean laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of hardware and experience in troubleshooting of MC-ICP-MS Neptune Plus and TIMS Triton or Triton Plus highly desirable.
- Advanced experience with personal computers for use in a laboratory environment for data collection and reduction as well as competence in standard office applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel or Powerpoint.
- Language skills: Good working knowledge of written and spoken English. Working knowledge of German desirable. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an asset.
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. 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.
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