Laboratory Technician (Mass Spectrometry)(G5)
JOB DETAIL
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
Organizational Setting
The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA’s duties and responsibilities as the world’s nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.
The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.
The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and the Coordination and Support Section (CSS). The laboratory sections conduct the screening, chemical treatment and measurement of the inspection samples. The Coordination and Support Section provides a variety of key services to the laboratories, as well as managing the network of analytical laboratories. SGAS also manages analytical and inspection activities in a dedicated On-Site Laboratory at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.
Main Purpose
Under the direction of the Mass Spectrometry Team Leader, the Laboratory Technician will prepare and perform elemental and isotopic analysis of nuclear material samples (Material Characterization) using inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in an ISO Class 5 cleanroom environment following established procedures and protocols. She/he will perform data reduction, data quality assessment and reporting using existing software templates, ensuring accurate measurements in accordance with the laboratory’s ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. She/he will monitor instrument performances and laboratory environments, and will take respective measures for solving related failures.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Prepare nuclear material samples for analysis and perform measurements by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, including instrument calibration, preparation and dilution of sample solutions, screening of samples for purity, data collection, data reduction, and reporting of results;
- Participate in quality management practices, such as updating and reviewing of QC charts, documentation in logbooks, participation in audits, and updating of procedures;
- Oversee the daily operation of the impurities laboratory, and ensure the required ISO cleanroom standards are met;
- Monitor the performance and perform routine maintenance on instruments and associated equipment, including troubleshooting instrumental failures together with electronics technicians;
- Monitor the inventory of laboratory consumables and spare parts and act as a low-value procurement (LVP) purchaser.
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.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Communication | Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. |
| Achieving Results | Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. |
| Teamwork | Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions. |
| Planning and Organizing | Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Client orientation | Establishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction. |
| Analytical thinking | Gathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions. |
| Knowledge sharing and learning | Actively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Cleanroom Laboratory | Demonstrated ability to follow precautions and procedures for working in a cleanroom environment |
| Physics | Mass Spectrometry | Proven knowledge of inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry |
| Safeguards | Quality Management of Analytical Measurement | Practice in working in an analytical laboratory accredited under ISO 9001:2015 |
| Chemistry | Radiochemistry | Practice in preparation and handling of actinide elements (Uranium and Plutonium) |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- Completed secondary education. Post secondary education or specialized training in analytical chemistry and inorganic mass spectrometry is an asset.
- At least five years of experience in the analysis of radioactive nuclear material.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in trace elemental and actinide isotope analysis by inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of hardware and experience in troubleshooting of ICP-MS Element XR is highly desirable.
- Experience with Low Value Procurement is an asset.
- Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 56137 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks’ annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/general-service-staff
General Information
- The IAEA’s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
- Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
- The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce.
- Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only.
- 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.
- The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Evaluation process
- The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
- Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Appointment information
- Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
- 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.
