IAEA Senior Laboratory Technician (G-6)

Duty Station:	Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date:	28 June 2012
Application Deadline:	25 July 2012
Type of Appointment:	Either a Fixed-term appointment (if the candidate already holds a Fixed-term appointment) or Temporary-assistance appointment (in all other cases) may be offered, both subject to a probationary period of 1 year
CCOG codes:	2.J.02

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 Programme "Environment" under the Major Programme 2, the part relevant to marine ecosystem is implemented in Monaco, that one 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 implementation of several projects as well as other Departments for horizontal collaborations. The Director's office is located in Monaco. The Terrestrial Laboratory (TEL), located in Seibersdorf, is responsible for activities in terrestrial and atmospheric environment. At TEL all IAEA reference product activities are consolidated under the Subprogram "Reference Products for Science and Trade", including sales of reference materials and organisation of proficiency tests. TEL is responsible for storage, sales and distribution of all reference materials and for analysis and production of all except marine materials. The increasing importance of reference materials for the IAEA programme and strengthened international requirements for reference materials production are reflected in a higher degree of integration of analytical activities in the reference product subprogram. Besides alpha-, beta- and gamma-radiation analysis and trace element determination techniques, the analysis of stable isotopic composition of materials by isotope ratio mass spectrometry is of main importance in this context. The stable isotopic analysis is important for the preparation and characterization of a large number of reference materials, proficiency test samples and accurate analysis on international relevant metrological level.

Main Purpose

As a member of the TEL Reference Materials Group, and under the supervision of the Reference Materials Specialist responsible for stable isotope materials, the Senior Laboratory Technician develops and refines high precision measurement schemes for stable isotopic analysis of a variety of different materials. He/she performs the mass spectrometric determination of stable isotope ratios for characterization, calibration and long term monitoring of existing and candidate stable isotope reference materials as well as performs troubleshooting for the mass spectrometric instrumentation. The Senior Laboratory Technician participates in the preparation and production of candidate reference materials including sampling, drying, milling, sieving, homogenizing. He/she provides support to proficiency tests and interlaboratory comparisons for stable isotopes including data evaluation, report preparation and technical contacts to laboratories. He/she supports the logistics related to reference materials and proficiency tests (sales, shipments, follow-up and correspondence with customers and forwarding agencies, inventory of materials). Finally, he/she provides training and expert advice to other stable isotope laboratories.

Working Relationships

The Senior Laboratory Technician works in a multi-disciplinary team at TEL with staff at all levels on issues related to stable isotope reference materials and their analytical characterization. He/she has extensive interactions with other stable isotope laboratories and with institutions active in the field of reference materials and proficiency tests, as well as internally with other IAEA units and divisions using stable isotope techniques. Internal and external contacts are including provision of technical advice on analytical techniques, work related to the establishment of a quality system according ISO 17025, as well as training of fellows and scientific visitors.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Operate and maintain stable isotope mass spectrometers and laser equipment for long-term monitoring of existing reference materials and characterization of candidate materials. Develop and adapt stable isotope measurement procedures for different compounds and sample preparation techniques to ensure high precision and accuracy of performed analyses. Publish those analytical procedures in IAEA reports and publications. Provide technical advice to other stable isotope laboratories in terms of analytical techniques, quality assurance, calibration and uncertainty evaluation. Provide training to scientific visitors. Participate in the development of a quality system according to ISO 17025 for stable isotope analyses. Participate in all aspects of TEL proficiency tests from planning, preparation of samples, shipment, data evaluation to final report preparation and in the preparation and processing of related samples and reference materials including sampling, drying, milling, sieving, homogenizing, bottling, analyzing and evaluating. Support logistics related to reference material sales, e.g. issue quotations, order confirmations, invoices, shipment documents and related correspondence with IAEA customers ordering reference materials. Distribute and ship the reference materials and maintain shipment related documentation and communicate with forwarding agencies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Applied knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices. Excellent knowledge of isotope ratio mass spectrometry or of similar complex analytical instrumentation involving vacuum techniques is an important asset. Ability to responsively implement experimental protocols and to develop new analytical protocols for new applications in stable isotope analysis. Ability to organize working priorities in order to meet programme objectives. Ability to record accurately data, identify problems and provide suggestions to the research leader. Communication skills: ability to communicate effectively with other laboratories at international scale and provide adequate technical information and advice to them. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively within a team and to establish and maintain working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Completed secondary education, as well as specialized training and/or experience in stable isotope mass spectrometry. Post secondary studies with relevance to laboratory work desirable. Minimum of six years of experience in laboratory analytical techniques, at least partly related to the operation of stable isotope mass spectrometers. Good knowledge in written and spoken English. Knowledge of German and/or another IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) an advantage. English language tests (Level 2) to IAEA standard.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €46 145 (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 athttp://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 with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.