External Dosimetry Specialist (P-3)

Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	7 February 2012
Application Deadline:	19 March 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety develops and maintains standards for radiation protection, radioactive waste safety and safety in the transport of radioactive material that enable the beneficial uses of radiation to be exploited while ensuring appropriate protection of workers, the public and patients. It also assists Member States in the implementation of these standards and provides related services. The Radiation Safety and Monitoring Section is responsible for the delineation of an international programme to protect workers, patients and members of the public from all types of exposure to natural or artificial radiation, according to the most recent scientific knowledge and information. The Radiation Protection of Workers and Monitoring Unit is responsible for the provision of radiation monitoring and protection services for staff members and experts who may be exposed to ionizing radiation due to activities conducted by the IAEA. The IAEA's services are carried out in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations and serve as a model to Member States in applying the IAEA's relevant safety and quality standards to their activities. The Individual Monitoring Group carries out individual monitoring using three different techniques, namely external dosimetry, whole body counting and urine/faecal analysis, as well as advisory services and record keeping. The External Dosimetry Specialist may be required to participate in field emergency response activities during which he/she may be occupationally exposed to radiation. The dosimetry services must be provided on a timely basis, requiring the External Dosimetry Specialist to work long hours during peak periods and emergency situations. The external dosimetry service is very complex, based on photon, beta and neutron dosimetry methods, with approximately 25,000 measurements carried out each year.

Main purpose

The External Dosimetry Specialist reports to the Operational Radiation Protection Specialist and is responsible for determining the external dosimetry techniques to be used in each case, maintaining the IAEA's official record of the results for occupationally exposed workers in the IAEA's Dose Management System, as well as providing information and advice to managers and workers under the personnel monitoring programme.

Role

The External Dosimetry Specialist is: (1) a specialist providing technical expertise on external dosimetry, determining radiation protections measure; (2) a team leader planning, implementing and evaluating the external dosimetry services provided to IAEA staff and experts, including the provision of training courses; (3) a key hand member of the Individual Monitoring Group, interacting on a daily basis with other staff in the laboratory, contacting occupationally exposed workers to convey factual information on the personnel monitoring requirements, technical staff concerning the monitoring equipment, supplies and set-up needed for the measurements and official IAEA record keeping, and fellowship holders receiving on-the-job training at the laboratory as well as scientific visitors, and (4) a back-up for the Operational Radiation Protection Specialist, determining in his absence the radiation protection measures to be taken for radiation workers and the types of measurements that need to be taken based on the conditions to which the worker is exposed.

Partnerships

The External Dosimetry Specialist works in close collaboration with the Operational Radiation Protection Specialist and the senior management with a view to contributing to the provision of adequate individual monitoring services for staff members and experts who may be exposed to ionizing radiation due to activities conducted by the IAEA. The External Dosimetry Specialist regularly interacts with staff at all levels in other Departments in the IAEA who needs to utilize the monitoring service, providing them with factual information about the dosimetry service and official records, and technical staff concerning the monitoring equipment, supplies and set-up, and fellowship holders receiving on-the-job training at the laboratory as well as scientific visitors.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Determine and carry out the appropriate thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetry techniques and electronic personal dosimetry to be used for IAEA occupationally exposed workers based on the type and level of exposure. Advise IAEA radiation workers and managers on appropriate radiation protection measures that can be taken and explain the results of the measurements to individuals. Analyse results of dosimetry measurements for each radiation worker to ascertain the dose received and issue clearance reports for future field work. Ensure that IAEA's official exposure records related to external dosimetry for radiation workers are properly maintained. Train IAEA staff and participants from Member States at in-house and external training courses and act as a mentor for fellowship holders. Maintain quality management system associated with the external dosimetry programme by drafting new procedures and methods and reviewing the existing ones. Participate in the IAEA's Incident and Emergency System (IES).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of radiation protection principles and the science on which they are based. Proven ability to carry out measurements for external dosimetry based on thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetry techniques and active personal dosimeters. Demonstrated ability in radiation protection monitoring. Knowledge of the IAEA's Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards, the Safety Standards Series of publications and of other relevant international safety standards. Familiarity with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations desirable. Computer skills: Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2010 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), which is the IAEA's standard. Good knowledge of computer applications related to laboratory equipment and experience in data management applications. Strong presentation skills with an ability to communicate technical information to staff at all levels. Demonstrated ability to both lead a team and serve as a member of a team. Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in radiation protection or physical sciences appropriate to the duties of the post. Minimum of five years of experience in the field of occupational radiation protection, of which at least three should have been concerned with the hands-on provision of dosimetry services. Experience in working with quality systems, specifically the ISO 17025 system. Solid knowledge of external dosimetry for all types of radiation and good experience in operation of specialised dosimetry equipment. Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of German an asset. Knowledge of official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an advantage.

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 $30 570*, 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. 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.