Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (Radioanalyst QA manager) (P-4)

Duty Station:	Tokyo, Japan
Issue Date:	2 August 2012
Application Deadline:	30 August 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) 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 Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental swipe samples, as well as 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 (OSL) in Japan, the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section. The Nuclear Material Laboratory is responsible for the chemical treatment and measurement of nuclear material accountancy samples and complementary access samples. A variety of wet chemical, radiometric and mass spectrometric techniques are applied under an ISO 9001:2008 certified quality system. The Laboratory includes the OSL Team, which is located in Japan and dedicated to the chemical treatment and measurement of nuclear material samples from the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant.

Main purpose

The Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (Radioanalyst QA Manager) is a member of a team led by the OSL Team Leader, and participates in the analytical operations of the OSL, which is located on the RRP site in Japan. His/her main assignment is to implement and continuously improve the OSL quality system. As such, he/she is responsible for the overall quality of analytical activities at the OSL.

Role

The incumbent is (1) a Quality Assurance Manager responsible for the overall quality of analytical activities at the OSL; and (2) a Safeguards Inspector who performs safeguards verification activities. All Safeguards Inspectors are subject to the approval of the Board of Governors and acceptance of the designation by relevant countries. The work involves extensive travel and time away from the duty station (more than 100 days a year), including travel and work on weekends and IAEA holidays.

Partnerships

The Safeguards Inspector (Radioanalyst QA Manager) works closely with other members of the OSL team and other Safeguards Inspectors, contributing to the IAEA's efforts aimed at implementation of the IAEA safeguards system at the RRP. Under the responsibility of the OSL Team Leader, he/she exchanges data and information with staff in the Nuclear Material Laboratory and Coordination and Support Section, which monitor the quality of and provide technical and analytical support to OSL activities. He/she also exchanges data and information with: (1) the Process Design Section (Division of Concepts and Planning) which is responsible for the Department's quality management system; (2) the relevant operations section that is the main recipient of the analytical results; and (3) authorities of the State system of accountancy and control.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Maintain and continuously improve the OSL quality assurance/control system, with emphasis on radiochemical operations and the functionality of analytical instrumentation. Take responsibility for the quality of analytical activities at the OSL, including confirmation of analytical results, quality control of the analytical measurement system (calibration of analytical instruments, quality control measurements, etc.), maintenance of the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and the implementation of security/confidentiality/authentication measures. Take responsibility for identifying the source of deviations from established requirements for sample results, calibration results or quality control results, and for the implementation of appropriate corrective actions. Take responsibility for the overall reporting of quality checked analytical results within a framework of validated analytical methods and well characterized measurement uncertainties. Oversee the routine maintenance of analytical instrumentation, participate in periodical calibrations and the preparation of quality control samples, participate in occasional interlaboratory comparisons, perform routine quality control measurements, and participate in the development and implementation of new analytical techniques or methods. Prepare and carry out IAEA safeguards inspections at various nuclear facilities/sites and collect information to confirm the operators' declarations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical expertise: Knowledge of physical and chemical analytical techniques, including radiochemical and radiometric methods, for the determination of uranium and transuranium elements/isotopes (e.g. neutron coincidence counting, alpha and gamma spectrometry, hybrid K-edge densitometry (HKED), spectrophotometry, thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and densitometry); Knowledge of and experience with one or more formal quality systems (e.g. ISO 9001 or ISO 17025); Knowledge of and experience with basic statistical techniques for analytical data reduction and comparison; Knowledge of the GUM approach to estimating measurement uncertainty; Knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle facilities and reactors; Ability to set up and operate computers and to diagnose software and hardware faults desirable. Interpersonal skills: Ability to contribute effectively in a multinational and multidisciplinary team by working collaboratively, sharing knowledge and having sensitivity and respect for diversity; Ability to contribute to projects and work effectively in small groups; Ability to negotiate with external counterparts. Analytical skills: Ability to assimilate and analyse situations and new concepts, grasp the critical aspects, and make decisions based on sound judgement; Ability to observe and report concisely and accurately (both verbally and in writing); Ability to adapt and cope with unexpected situations and changes. The working conditions require excellent physical abilities as cumbersome equipment may need to be carried, set up and serviced. Excellent health is required as local field conditions may not be ideal. The inspector may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as a radiation worker, he/she is subject to an appropriate monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Protection Rules and Procedures. Upon recruitment, candidates will be expected to attend a 3-month introductory course on IAEA safeguards and must successfully complete theoretical and practical examinations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in physics, chemistry or engineering, with specialization in one or more of the following fields: analytical chemistry or radiochemistry; nuclear engineering/nuclear technology; applied nuclear physics/applied physics; electrical/electronics/mechanical engineering; chemical/metallurgical or industrial process engineering. Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in a relevant analytical field, preferably associated with laboratory operations or analytical method development in a laboratory environment. Experience in and sound knowledge of handling uranium, plutonium and other actinides; experience in performing high quality work in an analytical laboratory (preferably a nuclear laboratory); practical work experience with highly radioactive samples using hot cell manipulators is highly desirable. Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) desirable.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 483 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $103 451*, 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.