Research Scientist (Marine Organic Contaminants)

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 has a mission to enhance global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through the application of nuclear science and technology. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's Major Programme 2 focuses on 'Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection', which encompasses various programs aimed at addressing food and agriculture, human health, water resources, and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Research Scientist (Marine Organic Contaminants) plays a crucial role in providing scientific and technical guidance to the Organic Analytical Chemistry Laboratory within the Marine Environment Laboratories (MESL) of the IAEA. This position is pivotal in developing, implementing, and continuously improving analytical capabilities for the determination of organic contaminants and stable isotopes in marine environmental matrices. The Research Scientist will support both regular and extrabudgetary programs by delivering high-quality analytical tools and data that underpin studies on marine pollution, climate change processes, seafood safety, and ecosystem health. The role is designed to strengthen global analytical comparability and enhance technical expertise in marine organic contaminants analysis, directly addressing the priorities of Member States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Scientist will coordinate and implement activities of the Organic Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, ensuring timely and high-quality laboratory outputs. Responsibilities include leading the development and validation of advanced analytical methodologies for organic contaminants and stable isotopes, providing technical training to staff and Member States' scientists, overseeing analyses of marine samples, organizing training courses on organic contaminants, and implementing international intercomparison exercises. The incumbent will also coordinate the production and certification of marine reference materials, maintain laboratory quality management systems, and contribute to the documentation and dissemination of scientific results through reports and publications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough knowledge of analytical techniques for determining organic contaminants in environmental marine samples and seafood, along with robust experience in analytical method development. Knowledge of marine environmental processes and laboratory quality assurance and control procedures is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong judgment and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to build partnerships and maintain long-lasting relationships to support the Agency's goals.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in chemistry (analytical or organic focus), Environmental/Marine Chemistry, or a closely related Environmental Science or Marine Science degree is required. A PhD in a relevant field would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant experience using analytical techniques for determining organic contaminants in marine samples is required. This includes routine instrument operation and maintenance, as well as experience in data quality management, interlaboratory studies, proficiency tests, and the production of reference materials, which are desirable for this position.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of the IAEA's work.

Additional Notes:
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package, including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $71,335, along with a variable post adjustment, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses. Additional benefits include six weeks of annual leave, home leave travel, a pension plan, and health insurance. The IAEA is committed to gender equality and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries. Staff members are international civil servants and must adhere to the highest ethical standards, with a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations.