Laboratory Technician

Position and Grade:	Laboratory Technician (G-4)
Organizational Unit:	Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory IAEA Environment Laboratories Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Monaco
Issue Date:	18 February 2014
Application Deadline:	25 March 2014
Type of Appointment:	Fixed term extra budgetary, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)
CCOG codes:	2.J.02

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on 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 the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes. The IAEA Environment Laboratories consist of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division implements the IAEA Environment Programme and operates in a complex matrix environment with inputs from many parts of the organization, such as the Department of Technical Cooperation for the implementation of projects, and also collaborates with other Departments. The Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory (MESL) is the analytical support center for isotopic and elemental analysis of trace elements, organic contaminants and long lived radionuclides in the marine environment. It provides reference materials, recommends procedures and carries out proficiency tests and interlaboratory comparisons for quality assurance programmes for the determination of non-nuclear contaminants. It implements marine monitoring programmes in collaboration with regional laboratories, and provides training in analytical techniques and metrology in chemistry.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Laboratory Head and Professional staff, the Laboratory Technician conducts laboratory tests related to on-going research and development work on organic pollutants in marine samples and the development and adaptation of techniques used to facilitate programme implementation in Member States. He/she is further involved in the procurement and maintenance of laboratory equipment, supporting overall operations. The Laboratory Technician plays a role in the training and development of fellows by administering and collecting practical exercises and evaluation criteria.

Working Relationships

The Laboratory Technician has frequent contact with Professionals and General Service staff within the Division as well as throughout the IAEA for day-to-day operations, including on-going experimental work. He/she also has consistent contact with Fellows and Associates assisting with organizing their research work, administering training material, and providing technical assistance as required. The Laboratory Technician prepares orders for supplies for the Procurement Assistant to finalize and maintain supply stocks for MESL.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Use laboratory equipment to carry out sample preparation and routine analysis for organic pollutants in marine environmental samples as requested in projects from the regular programme and extra budgetary projects of MESL. Under the supervision of senior staff, assist in the updating and validation of analytical methods for petroleum hydrocarbons, organochlorine compounds, flame retardants and other Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in marine environmental samples, by applying the appropriate analytical techniques and optimized analytical conditions, as required. Assist Professional staff in the preparation of inter-laboratory comparisons and proficiency test exercises and handling of data by preparing the samples, including homogeneity testing for petroleum hydrocarbons, organochlorine compounds, flame retardants and other POPs, as appropriate, dispatching them to the laboratories, collecting and archiving the results of exercises, updating the relevant database and performing the standardized statistical treatment for further analysis. Assist Professional staff with the preparation and editing of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the maintenance of the laboratory's quality system by assisting with the preparation of Quality Charts based on the regular analysis of Reference Materials and the application of necessary changes in the methods used in the laboratory to improve data quality. Operate and carry out basic maintenance of laboratory instrumentation including HPLC (high performance liquid chromatographs), GC (gas chromatographs) and LC (liquid chromatographs). Maintain general laboratory facilities according to the ISO 17025 Quality Management System (inventory, waste disposal, sample registration, sample handing, training records etc.). Provide technical assistance to the process of training Fellows and other trainees in the laboratory on the determination of organic pollutants in marine environment samples. Under the supervision of senior staff, participate in field sampling missions and assist in the collection, pre-treatment and storage of samples.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Good practical knowledge of analytical techniques for determination of organic pollutants. Working knowledge of the ISO 17025 Quality Management System and Good Laboratory Practice. Basic knowledge of statistics. Interpersonal skills: ability to operate effectively in a team and to establish and maintain working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to carry out assigned tasks in a timely manner under supervision. Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Office 2010, which is the IAEA standard (Word, Excel, Outlook), and ability to use databases.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Completed secondary education. Post-secondary degree or diploma (equivalent to B.Sc.) in chemistry and/or related sciences an asset. Minimum of four years of relevant working experience in an analytical chemical laboratory preferably on environmental analysis. English language test (level 2) to IAEA standard. Language skills: Good working knowledge of spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of French a strong asset. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €32 339 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 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. 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): Integrity, Professionalism 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.