Research Scientist (P-3)

Organizational Unit:	Radiometrics Laboratory IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories (IAEA-MEL), Monaco Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Monaco
Issue Date:	30 March 2012
Application Deadline:	11 May 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

IAEA Environment Laboratories (NAEL) is a Division of the Nuclear Sciences and Applications Department and consists of four laboratories three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf (approximately 45 km south of Vienna). NAEL implements the Environment Programme under Major Programme 2, of which the part relevant to marine ecosystem is implemented in Monaco, and the part relevant to terrestrial ecosystem in Seibersdorf. The Division operates in a complex matrix environment with inputs from many parts of the organization, such as Technical Cooperation Department for the implementation of several projects as well as other Departments for horizontal collaborations. The Radiometrics Laboratory (RML) has expertise in the fields of marine radiochemistry, low level radioactivity measurements, modelling of radionuclide dispersion and transfer in the marine environment, environmental and radiological assessment, marine radioactivity data base management, and radiotracer applications in oceanographic, pollution and climate studies. RML collaborates with Member States laboratories to assist them in their development and to implement capacity-building technical cooperation projects. Under its programme, RML develops methods for the measurement of radionuclides in marine samples in normal and emergency situations, carries out numerous sea missions, supports analytical quality in Member States laboratories and provides individual and group training. RML comprises six professional staff and seven support staff. RML has been developing a strong network with Member States.

Main purpose

As a member of the Radiometrics Laboratory, led by the Laboratory Head, the incumbent Research Scientist is a specialist in radiometric measurements, developments of new procedures and assessment of radionuclides in the environment and is responsible for the relevant project in the IAEA's programme. She/he liaises with organizations active in this field and with relevant user communities in Member States; he/she contributes to modifications and improvements of equipment and methodologies for effective applications of nuclear and associated techniques in marine environmental and related sciences. He/she contributes to the Quality Management System of the laboratories according to the applicable ISO Standards.

Role

The Research Scientist is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, contributing to the planning and development the IAEA's programme in the specific area of radio-analytic techniques and assessment of environmental radioactivity; (2) a scientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading Technical Meetings and developing strategies to support environmental assessment and networking of environmental radio-analytical laboratories and (3) a project officer, coordinating and evaluating coordinated research projects (CRPs) aimed at promoting nuclear analytical techniques of a high quality in support of environmental research (4) a technical officer, providing scientific and technical input to developing, planning and implementing Technical Cooperation Projects.

Partnerships

The Research Scientist provides support, technical guidance and advice to other staff in the Marine Environment Laboratories in his/her area of expertise and contribute to the quality management system according to international standards. He/she also interacts with scientists from Member States laboratories to advise, provide and develop guidelines on technical and methodological developments and harmonization in the area of marine radioactivity measurement and assessment. He/she promotes partnership building with appropriate UN organizations, regional marine commissions, collaborative scientific projects and other relevant institutions. He/she represents the IAEA at expert group meetings to identify needs and respond to the interests of Member States and regional organizations in various marine environmental research and assessment programmes. Furthermore, the incumbent works with appropriate technical departments within the IAEA to support collaborative projects in the area of radionuclide measurement and assessment and operational activities in the area of radiation protection.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Support the Laboratory Head in planning and implementing the programme in the specific area of novel methods for the determination and assessment of marine radioactivity. Contribute to modifications and improvements of equipment and methodologies for effective applications of nuclear and associated techniques in marine environmental and related sciences. Carry out research on marine radioactivity. Provide support to development and implementation of new radio-analytic techniques, in particular in the area of isotopic techniques in marine tracer studies. Promote, coordinate and evaluate coordinated research projects (CRPs) and conduct related complex studies. Provide scientific and technical support to Technical Cooperation Projects. Contribute to the laboratory quality management system. Plan, organize and conduct training for technical topics. Plan and participate in research sampling mission. Provide guidance and input to the preparation of reports. Participate in meetings and conferences according to programmatic needs. Represent the IAEA in working groups and experts meetings in support of collaborative research and project management. Promote collaboration with other UN organizations and Regional Research Institutes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In-depth knowledge and experience in radio-analytical techniques. Thorough knowledge of strategies and methodologies for sampling and analysis of radionuclides, modelling of dispersal and transfer of radionuclides and radiological dose assessment for marine exposure pathways. Proven ability to network in complex research and capacity-building projects with partners within and outside of the organization. Good understanding of the IAEA CRP and TC procedures. Computer literacy for common office and scientific software. Experience in Quality Management Systems according to international standards. Skills in provision of training to fellows and interns in the area of marine radioactivity measurement and assessment. Skills to conduct and supervise laboratory work and applied research. Skills in organization of meetings and conferences. Communication skills: Good presentation skills and ability to communicate easily and well with both technical and non-technical staff at all levels; Good skills in writing documents. Interpersonal skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels and with scientists and technical staff from Member States; Demonstrates ability to work in a team environment involving scientific, technical and administrative staff. Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree in physics (applied nuclear physics) or a closely related science with a strong background in marine radioactivity or environmental radioactivity. Minimum of five years of experience at the international level in radiometric and spectroscopic techniques and their applications to marine studies, including considerable experience in low-level counting techniques and in computer modelling of radionuclide dispersion and transfer in the marine environment. Experience in radiation protection principles for handling of radioactive material. Experience in managing national and international programmes. Experience in managing scientific and technical staff as well as scientific research projects. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Fluency in French is a strong advantage. Working knowledge of at least one additional official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) would be 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 $34 776*, 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.