Internship - Developing New IAEA Reference Material

Internship - Developing New IAEA Reference Material

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

September 9, 2026September 23, 2026Austria
Job Description
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 accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world. The agency operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's work encompasses various areas including nuclear safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and safeguards, as well as the application of nuclear technology in fields such as health, agriculture, and environmental protection.

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 or interests. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with the IAEA's work and contribute to its programs while gaining valuable insights into the operations of an international organization. The internship typically lasts between three months to one year, allowing interns to immerse themselves in the IAEA's projects and initiatives. The specific focus of this internship is to support the production of a new IAEA reference material (IAEA-494), which involves various laboratory activities and analytical tasks related to radiochemistry and nuclear science.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for assisting in the processing of reference materials, which includes tasks such as drying, sieving, and homogenization of samples. They will also support radiochemical separations using alpha-spectrometry to identify radionuclides present in the samples, including Uranium (U), Thorium (Th), Plutonium (Pu), Americium (Am), Cesium (Cs), and Strontium (Sr). Additionally, interns will assist in particle size measurements and microscopy of the materials, contributing to the preparation of a technical report on the reference material. This role requires a hands-on approach in a laboratory setting, where interns will gain practical experience in analytical techniques and contribute to important scientific research.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline. A strong ability to work within a laboratory environment and perform analytical tasks is essential. Knowledge of radioanalytical or analytical techniques is required, as well as excellent written and spoken English. Fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates must be at least 20 years old and have completed a minimum of three years of full-time university studies towards their first degree.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a university degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related scientific field. Candidates should have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution, which demonstrates a solid foundation in the relevant scientific principles and methodologies necessary for the internship tasks.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have some level of experience in laboratory work, particularly in analytical tasks. While specific prior experience in radiochemistry is not mandatory, familiarity with laboratory procedures and analytical techniques will be beneficial. The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in a degree program or have recently graduated, allowing for a range of experience levels from academic to practical.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is essential for communication and documentation within the IAEA. Additionally, fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application, reflecting the international nature of the organization and its diverse workforce.

Additional Notes:
The internship is a full-time position, and candidates must attach two signed letters of recommendation to their application. The program is designed for individuals who have not previously participated in the IAEA's internship program. The duration of the internship can vary from three months to one year, providing flexibility for both the interns and the organization. This opportunity is particularly suited for those looking to gain experience in an international setting and contribute to significant scientific advancements.
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