Internship in Nuclear Sciences and Applications

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Established in 1957, the IAEA is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and has a mission to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's work encompasses a wide range of areas including nuclear safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and safeguards, as well as the promotion of nuclear science and technology for sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The internship program at the IAEA is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical work experience that aligns with their academic studies and interests. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with the IAEA's various programs and gain insights into the workings of the United Nations. The internship typically lasts between three months and one year, allowing interns to contribute to the IAEA's initiatives while developing their professional skills. Interns will be involved in experimental work focusing on the evaluation of elemental composition of materials using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques, particularly in relation to environmental and agricultural samples. This role will also involve collaboration with other laboratories within the IAEA, enhancing the intern's exposure to international scientific research and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for preparing samples in various forms, including pressed pellets and suspensions, for analysis using energy-dispersive XRF and total-reflection XRF techniques. They will perform calibration and method validation for the XRF spectrometers, ensuring that the methods used are accurate and reliable for environmental and agricultural applications. Documentation of protocols and results will be a critical part of the role, requiring attention to detail and adherence to scientific standards. Interns will also have the opportunity to engage in discussions about their findings and contribute to the overall research objectives of the department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or be in the process of completing studies in chemistry, physics, or related fields. A solid understanding of chemistry and physics, as well as the principles of nuclear spectrometry, is essential. The ability to work independently while under supervised guidance is crucial, as is previous experience in laboratory analysis. Familiarity with XRF principles is considered an asset. Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory, and proficiency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a first degree. This educational background should ideally be in a field related to chemistry, physics, or nuclear sciences, providing the necessary theoretical foundation for the practical work involved in the internship.

Experience:
Interns are expected to have some prior experience in laboratory analysis, which may include coursework, research projects, or previous internships. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to conduct scientific experiments and analyze data effectively. Knowledge of XRF techniques, while not mandatory, is a beneficial addition to the candidate's profile.

Languages:
Fluency in English is essential for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in this language. Additionally, proficiency in any other IAEA official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is offered for a duration of 12 months, providing a comprehensive experience for the selected candidates. Interns must be at least 20 years old and may apply up to one year after completing their degree. It is important to note that candidates who have previously participated in the IAEA's internship program are not eligible to apply. Applicants are required to submit two signed letters of recommendation along with their application to support their candidacy.