Clean Laboratory Chemist

Position and Grade:	Clean Laboratory Chemist (P-3)
Organizational Unit:	ESL Chemistry Team Environmental Sample Laboratory Office of Safeguards Analytical Services Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:	Seibersdorf, Austria
Issue Date:	18 February 2014
Application Deadline:	1 April 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 more than 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 southeast 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 Environmental Sample Laboratory is responsible for the receipt, screening, analysis and distribution of environmental samples submitted by IAEA inspectors.

Main purpose

The Clean Laboratory Chemist is responsible for timely analysis of actinide elements in environmental samples using chemical separation methods prior to measurement by mass spectrometric and radiometric techniques, as well as the operation of a radioactive sample preparation laboratory including daily operations and quality control.

Role

The Clean Laboratory Chemist is (1) a team player working with other chemists and laboratory staff in the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and reporting to the Chemistry Team Leader, and (2) atechnical specialist performing complex chemical separations and sample preparation, improving existing procedures, and modifying or devising procedures for new applications.

Partnerships

The Clean Laboratory Chemist works with other chemists and laboratory staff to accomplish the work involved in treatment, analysis and reporting of environmental samples. The Clean Laboratory Chemist works closely with experts and staff in the Mass Spectrometry and Radiometry Teams of the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Nuclear Material Laboratory.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Responsible for the operation of a radioactive sample preparation laboratory, including day-to-day operations and quality control. Prepare about 30 radioactive environmental samples per year for mass spectrometric measurement and perform quality control measures. Prepare about 30 non-radioactive environmental samples per year for mass spectrometric measurement and perform associated quality control in the ESL clean-room facilities, following all relevant protocols and performing quality control measures. Report the content and isotopic composition of U, Pu and other actinides, as well as other elements upon special request, to the Chemistry Team Leader. Development of new and improvement of existing methods for ultra-trace analysis of U, Pu, Am and Th in routine and non-routine samples. Prepare Quality Control samples for bulk and particle analysis. The incumbent, in consultation with the Chemistry Team Leader and Laboratory Head, prepares QC samples for the network laboratories by adding known amounts of U, Pu, and Am to typical sample matrices such as swipe materials. High-purity spikes must also be prepared from certified reference materials for use in sample analysis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of chemical treatment applied to environmental samples for the analysis of U, Pu and other actinides. Experience with the preparation of sample aliquots for TIMS, ICP-MS, alpha spectrometry, and XRF spectrometry. High level of attention to detail and careful working habits. Interpersonal skills: Ability to effectively work in a technical team including professional chemists, physical scientists and laboratory technicians. Ability to communicate effectively for the setting of goals and priorities with technical staff and other stakeholders. Ability to work in an international and/or multicultural environment.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in analytical chemistry. Minimum of five years of experience in an analytical laboratory processing or measuring samples with actinides (U, Pu, Am). Experience in preparing samples for measurement by instrumental techniques such as TIMS, ICP-MS, alpha and gamma spectrometry, and XRF spectrometry. Experience in using ICP-MS instruments and radiometric equipment desirable. Experience in working in an ISO Class-5 clean-room laboratory an asset. Experience in working under a formal quality management system such as ISO-9001 desirable. Experience in working with radioactive materials an asset. Language skills: fluency in both spoken and written English. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $56 198 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $38 945*, 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.