Soil Chemist(P4)
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, 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 Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control.
The Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory assist Member States in developing improved soil and water management practices for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the conservation of natural resources and the effective use of external inputs through applied and adaptive research and development activities, technology transfer and capacity building
Main Purpose
As a member of a team led by the Head of the Soil and Water Management & Crop Nutrition Section, the soil chemist contributes to the results-based sub-programme relating to the development of microplastic and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research in addition to other emerging pollutants for optimising environmental sustainability of agricultural practices.
Role
The Soil Chemist is: (1) a technical officer and research coordinator, ensuring the efficient and effective development, implementation and dissemination of research, training and scientific and technical knowledge, and assisting in the evaluation and implementation of technical cooperation projects for the IAEA and FAO in the area of soil and water management practices for improving climate-smartness and environmentally sustainability of agriculture; (2) a technical expert, planning and conducting technical meetings and project review missions, and; (3) a facilitator, working with Member States to meet their national and regional agricultural development objectives.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Contribute technical expertise to the implementation of Research and Development activities at the laboratory for supporting coordinated research projects related to the development and adaptation of compound-specific stable isotope technology and related conventional geochemical methods, for optimising climate-smartness and environmental sustainability of agricultural practices, including the evaluation of research contracts and agreement proposals, monitoring the progress of projects, the organization of meetings and the publication of results.
Support and contribute, as technical officer, to the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme through planning, implementation (including training of fellows), monitoring and evaluation of technical cooperation projects.
Prepare guidance and review information documents on isotopic and nuclear techniques for improving understanding on emerging contaminants including microplastics and antibiotic resistance for environmental sustainability.
Ensure that analytical services and quality assurance for microplastics and AMR are carried out efficiently and effectively.
Plan, organize and conduct scientific and advisory meetings, participate in technical missions, and represent the IAEA at international meetings and conferences.
Develop novel initiatives and collaborate on relevant cross-cutting activities, such as the coordination of work with other international, regional and national organizations, including UN bodies.
Perform other activities as directed by the Section Head in support of the implementation of the Soil and Water Management & Crop Nutrition sub-programme.
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 |
|---|---|
|   | |
| 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. |
|   | |
| 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. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
|   | |
| Commitment to continuous process improvement | Plans and executes activities in the context of quality and risk management and identifies opportunities for process, system and structural improvement, as well as improving current practices. Analyses processes and procedures, and proposes improvements. |
|   | |
| 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. |
|   | |
| Technical/scientific credibility | Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
|   |   |   |
| Chemistry | Analytical Techniques | Hands-on experience in agricultural and environmental chemistry (at laboratory level) to improve climate-smartness or environmental sustainability of agriculture. |
|   |   |   |
| Bioscience | Biogeochemistry | In-depth practical knowledge of microplastics or anti-microbial resistance research with experience in use of stable isotope and related analytical techniques in different environmental matrixes. |
|   |   |   |
| Information Technology | Computer Operations | Knowlege of computer application including familiarity with data analysis tools and agri-environmental modelling. |
|   |   |   |
| Soil Science | Environmental sampling | Expertise in soil, crop or environmental sampling relating to land, water and crop management studies, especially in association with microplastics, antibiotic resistance and emerging contaminants, utilizing nuclear and isotopic techniques. |
|   |   |   |
| Management and Programme Analysis | Project Management | Expertise in international project management and coordination, including in the formulation and delivery of outcome-oriented projects and the management of financial and project and laboratory management. |
|   |   |   |
| Soil Science | Soil and Water Management | Advanced understanding of the challenges and solutions associated with environmental pollution in agricultural systems in developing countries and the global problems. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
Other – A PhD degree in earth/environmental sciences or related discipline will be highly desirable.
Master’s Degree – Advanced university degree in earth sciences and environmental chemistry or related disciplines with background in emerging contaminants specifically microplastics and antibiotic resistance in different environmental matrixes.
Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in environmental or related sciences, at both national and international levels, in laboratory and field research studies, relating to the use of isotope and nuclear techniques in microplastics research and environmental issues.
Proven track record in high quality research related to environmental contamination specifically microplastics and antibiotic resistance.
Well-developed computer application skills including familiarity with data analysis and environmental modelling.
Experience in the use of machine learning approaches for improving and design of environmental modelling would be an added advantage.
Solid publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.
Experience in technology transfer through trainings, workshops and seminar presentations.
Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, 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 $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 38431*, 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.
