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Electronics Engineer Technician (G-6)

Organizational Unit:Isotope Hydrology Laboratory
Isotope Hydrology Section
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:12 November 2012
Application Deadline:10 December 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.B.07

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's major programme on nuclear techniques for development and environmental protection (Major Programme 2). This major programme comprises individual programmes in food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The major programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the following fields are supported. Production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in healthcare and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.

The Isotope Hydrology Section (IHS) is responsible for planning and implementing the IAEA's water resources programme. The programme assists Member States in the sustainable management of their water resources in all aspects, with isotope hydrology as an integral part of their scientific and institutional strengths. Major activities include internationally coordinated research, global isotope monitoring, capacity building, and technical assistance to Member States for the assessment, development and use of water resources. The Section also operates a well-equipped laboratory for the analysis of stable and radioactive isotopes. The laboratory trains counterparts in using analytical techniques for high-quality measurements of isotopes in water samples.

Main Purpose

Under the direction of the Laboratory Team Leader, the Electronics Engineer Technician will help design and/or adapt scientific laboratory and field equipment (hardware and electronics design) for water sampling or separation of dissolved gases that cannot be purchased because of commercial unavailability. He/she will perform troubleshooting, repair, calibration, and preventative maintenance of isotope-ratio mass spectrometers and laser spectrographs, and ensure routine maintenance of these and other laboratory instruments. He/she will help maintain the laboratory local area network infrastructure. He/she will act as the low value procurement officer for costing and obtaining Laboratory equipment and materials.

Working Relationships

The Electronics Engineer Technician will be working in a team environment, interacting daily with colleagues in the Laboratory and Section, local suppliers, technical services of commercial firms, trainees and scientists from Member States. Interactions involve information exchange, discussions, and enlisting support on the implementation of equipment in field studies, training, and technical service matters.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Under the direction of the Team Leader, develop, construct, and test new sampling/analytical devices and laboratory equipment used for the collection and measurement of isotopes and dissolved gases in ground and surface water.
  • Independently maintain and repair isotope-ratio mass spectrometers, liquid scintillation counters, and laser-based isotope analysers used for the measurement of stable isotopes, tritium, and noble gases. Maintenance involves diagnosing, trouble-shooting, and conducting repairs.
  • Guide staff and trainees in the use and operation of sampling and analytical equipment used at the IHS.
  • Responsible for the laboratory local area network infrastructure, the file and print server, and audio-visual equipment used by the Laboratory.
  • Order and keep stock of spare parts, and assist in the selection and/or purchase of general laboratory equipment and supplies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Background in mechanical and/or electronics engineering relevant to mass-spectrometric and laser spectroscopic systems, and field sampling equipment used in the Laboratory.
  • Good computer skills, including experience with programming scientific instruments and data loggers, and with basic CAD design.
  • Knowledge of local computer network infrastructure and its administration desirable.
  • Ability to carefully follow laboratory procedures in a safe manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

  • Completed secondary education. Post-secondary studies in chemistry, physics or engineering desirable.
  • Minimum of six years of relevant working experience in analytical laboratories.
  • Extensive experience with ultra-high-vacuum systems, the use and maintenance of mechanical laboratory instruments and electronics is an asset.
  • Excellent spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of German desirable for interaction with local suppliers and technical services of commercial firms. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an advantage.
  • English language test (Level 2) at 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/JobsNo 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.