Job Advertisement

Position Title: Junior Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning Specialist
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 28 November 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization founded to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Established in 1961, the OECD comprises 38 member countries and serves as a platform for governments, policymakers, and citizens to collaborate on evidence-based international standards and solutions to various social, economic, and environmental challenges. The OECD provides a unique forum for data Analysis, sharing best practices, and advising on public policies and international standard-setting. The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), operating under the OECD framework, focuses on facilitating cooperation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures, aiming to enhance nuclear safety, technology, and related environmental and economic matters. The NEA assists its 34 member countries in developing the scientific, technological, and legal foundations necessary for the safe and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Job Overview:
The NEA is seeking a nuclear Scientist with relevant experience in radioactive waste management and decommissioning to support the work of the Division of Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning (RWMD). The selected candidate will assist the project Coordinator and database manager for the NEA Thermochemical Database (TDB) Project. This role involves collecting and reviewing technical information, preparing reports for data users, and contributing to the database and Knowledge Management infrastructure. The primary output of the project is a set of reliable thermodynamic parameters that describe the behavior of radionuclides in conditions relevant to radioactive waste disposal systems. The candidate will also provide Secretariat support to the Committee for Decommissioning and Legacy Management (CDLM) and the Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC), working closely with other NEA staff to achieve the Agency's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Radioactive Waste Management Specialist will support the thermochemical database (TDB) project, which involves developing and maintaining a chemical thermodynamic database of selected elements relevant to radioactive waste disposal systems. Responsibilities include providing technical and organizational assistance for RWMC meetings, participating in expert groups, managing the program of work, preparing and facilitating meetings, and drafting summary records. The candidate will report on the work of assigned groups to the Agency’s supervising committees and expert groups, as well as at international conferences and specialists' meetings. Additional duties may be assigned by the Head of Division as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a university degree in chemistry, geology, nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field. An advanced degree or several years of experience in nuclear research is advantageous. A minimum of two years of professional experience in nuclear science, particularly in nuclear data and radioactive waste management, is required. Experience in benchmarking nuclear data and an understanding of scientific database development and maintenance, as well as handling large data sets, are considered assets. Familiarity with thermochemical modeling and programming, automation, and scripting languages is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, geology, nuclear physics, or nuclear engineering. An advanced degree or equivalent qualification is preferred, particularly for those with several years of experience in nuclear research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in nuclear science, specifically in nuclear data and radioactive waste management. Candidates should have experience in experimental, evaluation, or data validation activities, as well as familiarity with benchmarking nuclear data. Experience in scientific database development and maintenance, particularly with large data sets, is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) is mandatory, along with knowledge of the other language and a commitment to reach a good working level. Knowledge of additional languages would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a two-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal. The position is full-time, and the OECD has a mandatory retirement age of 67. The monthly salary starts at 5,741 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, and is exempt from French income tax. The selection process includes written tests and panel interviews, with the closing date for applications set for 28 November 2024, 23:59 Paris time.