Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer (P-3)

Organizational Unit:	Nuclear Security Team Non Destructive Assay Section Division of Technical and Scientific Services Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	30 March 2012
Application Deadline:	11 May 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term extrabudgetary, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for more than 170 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; and three Technical Divisions, (i) Division of Concepts and Planning, (ii) Division of Information Management, and (iii) Division of Technical and Scientific Services, as well as two Offices: the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Systems. The Division of Technical and Scientific Services (SGTS) is comprised of four sections and is responsible for the development and implementation of the Department's equipment systems. The Section for Non-Destructive Assay is responsible for the development, testing, commissioning and provision of equipment for non-destructive assay of nuclear materials; the development, implementation and maintenance of respective methodologies to be applied by SG inspectors; the provision of relevant training and/or expertize through direct participation in field measurements; and providing relative methodological support to the section of unattended systems and other users.

Main purpose

Under the supervision and guidance of the Section Head and the Team Leader of the Nuclear Security Team, the Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer provides technical support for procurement, acceptance testing, and delivery and installation of equipment, as well as demonstration and training of front-line officers on the proper use of equipment.

Role

As an active member of the laboratory, the Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer acts as 1) a substantive contributor and specialist in the implementation of nuclear security projects related to the application of radiation instruments/techniques for detection and response to criminal and unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material and 2) a technical specialist in the development of new radiation detection instruments/techniques and procedures. Building on his/her solid knowledge and experience in radiation detection and response, he/she prepares specifications, performs and supervises the acceptance testing of equipment acquired for donation to Member States, evaluates bids for procurement, and participates in technical missions and training events in Member States.

Partnerships

The Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer works closely with counterparts in the Office of Nuclear Security, Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, acting as a focal point for specific detection and response instrument related concerns. He/she establishes and maintains a list of equipment supplied to Member States' institutions, addresses sustainability issues and facilitates programme delivery.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer contributes to the programmatic goal to improve global security of nuclear material, other radioactive material, nuclear facilities, locations and transport. To do so, the incumbent supports the Office of Nuclear Security in the implementation of the programme for strengthening Member States' abilities to detect and respond to criminal and unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material. In particular: Support procurement activities (drafting of procurement specifications, evaluation of bids, development and implementation of acceptance test procedures for portable and fixed installed equipment) for equipment purchased by the Office of Nuclear Security for donation purposes; Ensure timely acceptance testing of acquired equipment, monitor delivery and support installation of equipment, effectively delegating tasks to junior staff as appropriate; Participate in training events on instruments/techniques for combating illicit trafficking in Member States; develop and deliver lecture material for training events on equipment used to detect illicit trafficking activities and for identifying and characterizing any seized material; Participate in IAEA-organized advisory, evaluation, and technical missions; and Address on-going R&D issues involving nuclear security by evaluating and monitoring the activities of any established coordinated research project.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical expertise: In-depth knowledge of available techniques and instruments for the detection and characterization of nuclear and radioactive material, preferably with respect to nuclear security applications. Working knowledge of radiation border monitoring equipment, technologies and methodologies preferred. Excellent computer skills, especially MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and CAD (computer-aided design) software to prepare installation drawings. Demonstrated communication skills: Ability to deliver training courses/lectures in a clear manner. Strong interpersonal skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels and with representatives of Member States; Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Supervisory skills. Good planning and organizing skills.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University (or equivalent) degree in nuclear physics with in-depth theoretical and practical training in areas relevant to detecting nuclear and other radioactive material. At least five years of relevant work experience in detection and characterization of nuclear and radioactive materials, preferably related to the combat of illicit trafficking. Demonstrated experience in: Evaluating and implementing various types of radiation detection equipment (gamma ray detectors: scintillation detectors - CsI, NaI, LaBr3, Li-6I, plastic; semiconductor detectors - HPGe, CdZnTe; neutron detectors: He-3 proportional counters, Li-6I); Gamma ray spectroscopy, particularly isotope identification (both with semiconductor and scintillation detectors); Testing radiation detection equipment, preferably portable and fixed installed border monitoring equipment; Developing, refining, and revising specifications and test procedures for radiation detection equipment, preferably for equipment related to border monitoring; Developing and delivering lectures and presentations regarding radiation detection technologies, preferably related to border monitoring and their uses; and Working with radioactive sources. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of German and/or any other IAEA official languages (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) desirable.

NOTE: The incumbent of the post will be considered to be a radiation worker and be subject to an appropriate programme of physical and special medical surveillance arranged by the IAEA.

NOTE: This is not an established Agency post. It is fixed term extra-budgetary post, subject to the availability of funds.

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 $32 365*, 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.