Unit Head (Atomic and Molecular Data Unit)(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 Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the Division provides support to Member States in the following fields: production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in health care and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.
Additionally, the nuclear science activities carried out by the Nuclear Data Section and Physics Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications fall under Major Programme 1.
The Nuclear Data Section (NDS) is primarily responsible for the generation and maintenance of a number of high-quality and fundamental nuclear and atomic databases and providing services to users worldwide. The main means of dissemination is via the NDS website, which provides interactive tools to present the required data.
Main Purpose
Reporting to the Head of NDS, the Unit Head leads a team of one other physicist and two computer professionals to implement the Agency programme on data for atomic, molecular and plasma-material interaction (A M PMI) processes in fusion devices and other plasma applications and to support broader NDS activities in scientific data management.
Role
The Unit Head is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, who assists in planning and developing the Agency’s programme on the provision of A M PMI databases to support fusion energy research worldwide; (2) a scientific secretary, project officer and technical expert, planning and managing complex Technical Meetings, coordinated research projects (CRPs), and data development and evaluation activities; and (3) a physicist, capable of initiating new research paths needed for the provision of A M PMI data for fusion energy and other plasma applications.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Oversee and manage the staff and activities of the Atomic and Molecular Data Unit and support the Section Head in planning and monitoring the programme and budget.
Provide technical input to the planning, development and implementation of the IAEA’s programme in the area of A M PMI data for fusion energy research and other plasma applications.
Promote, coordinate and evaluate complex CRPs, plan and lead complex Technical Meetings, and organize data development and data evaluation activities, including defining the scope of such work, selecting participants and coordinating the production of reports and documents.
Conduct studies and develop international recommendations about needs and priorities for improved A M PMI data, data evaluations, and database infrastructure to support fusion energy research and other plasma applications.
Plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops and training courses for complex technical topics.
Provide authoritative guidance and technical input to the work by staff including the preparation of reports.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Communication | Encourages open communication and builds consensus. Uses tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive information, and keeps staff informed of decisions and directives as appropriate. |
| Achieving Results | Sets realistic targets for himself/herself and for the team; ensures availability of resources and supports staff members in achieving results. Monitors progress and performance; evaluates achievements and integrates lessons learned. |
| Teamwork | Encourages teamwork, builds effective teams and resolves problems by creating a supportive and collaborative team spirit, remaining mindful of the need to collaborate with people outside the immediate area of responsibility. |
| Planning and Organizing | Sets clearly defined objectives for himself/herself and the team or Section. Identifies and organizes deployment of resources based on assessed needs, taking into account possible changing circumstances. Monitors team’s performance in meeting the assigned deadlines and milestones. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Commitment to continuous process improvement | Assesses the effectiveness of functions and systems as well as current practices; streamlines standards and processes and develops innovative approaches to programme development and implementation. |
| Partnership building | Identifies interests and goals common to the Agency’s partners and its stakeholders to foster partnership building. Promotes collaboration with partners, colleagues across teams and stakeholders. |
| Technical/scientific credibility | Provides guidance and advice in his/her area of expertise on the application of scientific/professional methods, procedures and approaches. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Atomic Physics | Thorough knowledge of relevant developments in the field of atomic and molecular physics desired. |
| Information Technology | Database Management | Expertise in the development, evaluation or dissemination of scientific data in a relevant field. |
| Other Technical Engineering | Materials Engineering | Thorough knowledge of relevant materials science issues desired. |
| Physics | Plasma Physics | Thorough knowledge of common approaches to fusion energy research. Thorough knowledge of current plasma physics science and energy applications. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
Master’s Degree – Advanced degree in Physical Science or Engineering. A PhD in atomic or molecular physics, engineering or a related field, is a strong asset.
Bachelor’s Degree – University degree in Physical Science or Engineering with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.
Minimum 7 years of research experience at an internationally recognized level in a relevant field: fusion energy research, plasma physics, plasma-material interaction or atomic and molecular physics for fusion applications.
Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
Staff management experience, particularly with respect to development of scientific databases and related products.
Broad experience in numeric database development and maintenance techniques.
Familiarity with the IAEA coordinated research project scheme and Technical Meetings is an asset.
Experience working in a national/international fusion organization or institute desirable.
Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) 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 $ 45158*, 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.
