Radiochemistry Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Radiochemistry Specialist
Location: Vienna
Country: Austria
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 fields such as food and agriculture, human health, water resources, and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Radiochemistry Specialist will work under the supervision of the Head of the Terrestrial Environment Radiochemistry (TERC) Laboratory. The primary responsibility of this role is to maintain and operate the TERC radiochemical laboratory, which is dedicated to analyzing environmental samples. The specialist will provide technical support and guidelines to Member State laboratories, instruct trainees in radioanalytical techniques, and offer substantive advice to TERC staff. Additionally, the specialist will act as the quality manager for proficiency test exercises, ensuring that the laboratory meets high standards of analytical quality and timeliness in its outputs. This role is crucial for enhancing the capacity of Member States to utilize nuclear techniques in sustainable development programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Radiochemistry Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Performing measurements of environmental samples and proficiency test materials using radiochemistry facilities and equipment, and preparing detailed reports on the results.
• Providing technical advice and guidelines on the effective use of radioanalytical equipment to Member States' laboratories, which includes organizing technical meetings.
• Contributing to the development and modification of instruments and advanced analytical methodologies for radiochemistry, as well as writing scientific papers and reports.
• Training and supervising fellows on methodology and applications of radioanalytical techniques.
• Acting as the quality manager for proficiency test exercises at the TERC laboratory and leading ISO17043 accreditation activities.
• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations, particularly regarding exposure to radioactive materials, and participating in health monitoring programs as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or a related field, with a PhD in Radiochemistry of environmental radioactivity considered an asset. A minimum of five years of working experience in radioanalytical techniques, particularly in radiochemistry, is required. Candidates should have experience with ion exchange and extraction chromatography techniques for radionuclide separation and purification, as well as measurement techniques including alpha-spectrometry or liquid scintillation counting. Teaching experience in methodology and applications of radioanalytical techniques is also essential, along with familiarity with laboratory quality systems and ISO standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or a closely related field. A PhD in Radiochemistry, particularly focused on environmental radioactivity, is highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant working experience in the field of radioanalytical techniques, with a strong emphasis on radiochemistry. Candidates should have practical experience in ion exchange and extraction chromatography techniques, as well as familiarity with measurement techniques such as alpha-spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting. Experience with radioanalytical techniques for actinides and other natural radionuclides is considered an asset, as is teaching experience in the relevant methodologies.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package, including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $70,212, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Additional benefits include a variable post adjustment, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses, six weeks of annual leave, home leave travel, a pension plan, and health insurance. The IAEA is committed to gender equality and diversity in its workforce, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries. The appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report, and staff members may be assigned to any location as per the IAEA's rotation policy.