Mass Spectrometry Specialist (P-3)

Position and Grade:	Mass Spectrometry Specialist (P-3) (two posts)
Organizational Unit:	Mass Spectrometry Team Environmental Sample Laboratory Office of Safeguards Analytical Services Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:	Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date:	8 January 2014
Application Deadline:	5 March 2014
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards 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 is responsible for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental swipe samples, as well as for 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 in Japan), the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section. The Environmental Sample Laboratory is responsible for the receipt, screening, analysis and distribution of environmental samples submitted by IAEA safeguards inspectors.

Main purpose

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist plays a major role in the mass spectrometric measurement of safeguards inspection samples in both nuclear and environmental sample laboratories of SGAS. He/she takes part in SGAS quality management activities and contributes to continuous process improvements. He/she participates in the implementation of actions and tasks relating to radiation protection and safety activities within the work environment.

Role

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist is (1) a team player working with the other members of the Mass Spectrometry Team on analyses, and (2) a technical specialist supervising and performing thermal ionization mass spectrometry measurements of actinides at high and low levels, troubleshooting complex instrument failures, and improving existing procedures and implementing procedures for new safeguards applications. 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.

Partnerships

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist works closely with the technical staff performing sample preparation chemistry in the Nuclear Material Laboratory and the Environmental Sample Laboratory to ensure successful analysis of a variety of nuclear material samples. A close partnership with the On-Site Laboratory in Japan is required to support their mass spectrometry operations through procedure enhancements, instrument calibration checks, and troubleshooting assistance. The Mass Spectrometry Specialist is a resource for other SGAS specialists in performing or reviewing detailed uncertainty calculations. The incumbent is supervised by the Team Leader for Mass Spectrometry.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provide technical expertise and support in the thermal ionization mass spectrometric analysis of samples containing U, Pu, Th, and Am, and ensure that analytical results meet pre-established quality requirements with regard to measurement controls, blanks and duplicate analyses. Participate in team efforts to continually improve the mass spectrometric measurements of safeguards relevant samples using state of the art techniques such as multi-collector ICP-MS and introduction of new methods developed in the NWAL. As good quality management practice, perform validation on new methods and measurements and associated detailed uncertainty calculations. Maintain current knowledge in the mass spectrometry field pertaining to high sensitivity and high accuracy actinide analyses by communicating regularly with other members of the scientific community, vendors and other colleagues outside of the IAEA working in related fields.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following techniques: thermal ionization mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, secondary ion mass spectrometry, accelerator mass spectrometry. Demonstrated knowledge of mass spectrometry data analysis, including uncertainty estimation. Experience with GUM workbench an advantage. Demonstrated knowledge in troubleshooting and maintaining advanced mass spectrometry equipment. Ability to work within a Quality Management system to produce reliable, analytical results. Interpersonal skills: Demonstrated ability to facilitate work in a team environment with scientific, technical and administrative staff, and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries. Willingness to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree in physical science or a related field. Minimum of five years of experience with mass spectrometric measurement of isotope ratios at high accuracy or high sensitivity. Experience working in an international environment is an advantage. At least one year of experience with Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry is desired. Experience with mass spectrometric measurement of actinides or with the total evaporation technique an advantage. Experience with analytical measurements within either a radiological or clean room facility an advantage. Fluency in both spoken and written English. Working knowledge of German an asset.

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 $37 805*, 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. 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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.