Research Scientist (Marine Studies) (RML)(P3)
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 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, marine 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 Division of IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories consists of three laboratories, which are located in Monaco. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine and atmospheric environmental processes and dynamics, and to identify and address environmental problems caused by radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants and climate change.
The Radiometrics Laboratory has expertise in the fields of marine radioactivity measurements, development of radioanalytical methods, low-level counting, modelling of marine dispersion and transfer of radionuclides, environmental and radiological assessments, marine database management, and radiotracer applications in oceanographic, pollution and climate studies. It collaborates with Member States to assist them in their development and to implement capacity building technical cooperation projects. It operates underground low-level counting facilities and is accredited for the production of Reference Materials. It also helps them to prepare for radiological emergency situations, carries out missions at sea, supports analytical quality in Member States laboratories and provides training.
Main Purpose
As a member of the Radiometrics Laboratory led by the Laboratory Head, the Research Scientist coordinates and conducts the processing of numerous marine samples/year for analysis of natural and artificial radionuclides. She/he contributes to radioanalytical method development and radioanalytical laboratory work and to the development of techniques for contamination and process studies in coastal zones and the open ocean using radioactive and stable isotopes. She/he contributes to NAEL’s Radiation Safety Programme and supports technically and scientifically Coordinated Research and Technical Cooperation Projects.
Role
The Research Scientist is: (1) a researcher using radioanalytical methods to analyse radionuclides in marine matrices;(2) a specialist in planning, developing and validating radiochemical methods and carrying out research activities in the laboratory; (3) a specialist applying tracer methods to study oceanographic processes and marine pollution and carrying out related field studies (4) a scientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading technical meetings and developing strategies to support environmental radioactivity assessment and networking of marine radioanalytical laboratories and (5) a project officer, coordinating and evaluating coordinated research projects (CRPs) related to radionuclides in the marine environment (6) a technical officer evaluating and contributing expert knowledge to the implementation of TC projects.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Assist in the development and implementation of radioanalytical techniques and participate in the radioanalytical work carried out in the Radiometrics Laboratory on environmental, reference material and proficiency test samples.
- Implement and apply tracer methods in studies of oceanographic processes, marine pollution and environmental change.
- Provide expert advice for NAEL’s Radiation Safety Programme.
- Promote, coordinate and evaluate CRPs, and conduct related studies.
- Provide scientific and technical support to technical cooperation projects, aiming to harmonize methodologies and strategies in the area of marine environmental studies using nuclear and associated techniques.
- Plan, organize and conduct training for analytical methods for radionuclides in marine samples.
- In close collaboration with the Quality Manager, contribute to the development and maintenance of NAEL’s quality management system in the area of radiochemistry.
- Provide input to the preparation of reports.
- Plan and participate in research and training cruises for the collection of marine samples.
- Participate in meetings and conferences according to programmatic needs
- Represent the IAEA in working groups and expert’s meetings in support of collaborative research and project management and promote collaboration with other UN organizations and Regional Seas programmes.
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 |
|---|---|
| Analytical thinking | Analyses information to identify cause and effect relationships and correlations. Identifies critical elements and assesses consequences of different courses of action and proposes solutions. |
| Judgement/decision making | Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards. |
| Knowledge sharing and learning | Actively seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge and information with others; shares specialized knowledge, skills and learning from experience across different situations and contexts effectively. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Environmental Radiotracer Techniques | Expertise in radiotracer applications to oceanography and marine pollution studies. |
| Chemistry | Marine Geochemistry | Expertise in marine environmental studies. Experience in sampling at sea. |
| Chemistry | Radiochemistry | Demonstrable competence in radiochemical techniques for the determination of radionuclides in environmental samples. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- A first level University degree in Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Marine Chemistry or a related field is required. An advanced university degree would be an asset.
- Minimum of five years of experience in radioanalytical and tracer techniques and their applications to marine studies.
- Good publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Working experience in radiochemistry, preferably marine radiochemistry are assets.
- 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 US $64121 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 35331*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions
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. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly 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.
- 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.
- Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
- 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.
