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Mass Spectrometry Specialist (P-3)

Organizational Unit:Project Management Group (ECAS)
Office of Safeguards Analytical Services
Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date:15 May 2013
Application Deadline:26 June 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:Fixed term extrabudgetary, 2 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 some 180 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; three Technical Divisions: Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services; as well as two Offices: the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services.

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 project entitled "Enhancing Capabilities of the Safeguards Analytical Services" (ECAS) was established to ensure that the IAEA's Safeguards Analytical Laboratory and the Network of Analytical Laboratories continue to be able to provide the necessary analytical support for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental samples in a cost-effective, timely and reliable manner. The Transition Team, which has been established to transfer laboratory operations from the leased facility of the Austrian Institute of Technology in Seibersdorf to the newly constructed Nuclear Material Laboratory, will be part of the ECAS Project Management Group, which will ensure the smooth transfer of laboratory activities (equipment and staff), related infrastructure (site development) and security (access control and surveillance).

Main purpose

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist will provide technical oversight for the transition of mass spectrometers from the existing Nuclear Material Laboratory to the new NML nuclear analytical facility.

Role

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist is an expert in uranium mass spectrometry guiding the installation, setup and validation of mass spectrometers for uranium and plutonium isotopic measurements by thermal ionization-TIMS and inductively coupled plasma-ICP-MS in a new nuclear analytical facility.

Partnerships

In partnership with the team's mass spectrometry specialists, electronics technicians, and other technical staff, the incumbent will guide the setup of new laboratory space and participate in the transfer of instruments and validation of their functionality. The incumbent is primarily supervised by the Head of the Project Management Group (ECAS) and also reports to the Mass Spectrometry Team Leader.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Guide the setup of laboratories for new instrumentation and low level radiological chemistry, including prioritization of work and direction for procurements.
  • Supervise installation of new instruments and their acceptance testing.
  • Plan and perform validation analyses by thermal ionization mass spectrometry for uranium and plutonium. Carry out relevant research activities and contribute to the development and/or recommend improvement of testing techniques and methods.
  • Write validation report for instruments and analytical reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of thermal ionization mass spectrometry demonstrated through reports and publications, for either uranium or using the total evaporation technique.
  • Knowledge of data reduction and uncertainty analysis for thermal ionization mass spectrometry and/or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
  • Knowledge of quality management systems.
  • Ability to work in a team in an international environment.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

  • Advanced University degree in the physical sciences.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in a combination of thermal ionization and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques.
  • Ability to write clear technical reports in English and very good verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of German an asset.
  • Experience handling radioactive materials an asset. The incumbent will be a monitored radiation worker.
NOTE: The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

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 $34 664*, dependency benefits, rental subsidyeducation grantrelocation 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. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): IntegrityProfessionalism and Respect for diversity. 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.