Internship – Applying Advanced Gamma-ray Spectrometry

Participate in the analysis of marine sediment samples collected from the Indian Ocean by gamma-ray spectrometry.

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IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency

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Application deadline 6 months ago: Wednesday 3 Dec 2025 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Participate in the analysis of marine sediment samples collected from the Indian Ocean by gamma-ray spectrometry.

You have:

  • University degree in Physics, Nuclear Science and Engineering or a related field
  • Basic knowledge of gamma-ray spectrometry and marine radioactivity
  • Good written and spoken English essential; fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) an asset
  • Candidates must be a minimum of 20 years of age and have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a first degree
  • Candidates may apply up to one year after the completion of a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree
  • Candidates must not have previously participated in the IAEA's internship programme
  • Candidates must attach two signed letters of recommendation to their application

Internships

The IAEA accepts a limited number of interns each year. The internships are awarded to persons studying towards a university degree or who have recently received a degree (see Internship web pages for further details).

The purpose of the programme is:

To provide interns with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in line with their studies or interests, and expose them to the work of the IAEA and the United Nations as a whole.

To benefit the IAEA's programmes through the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.

The duration of an internship is normally not less than three months and not more than one year.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, marine environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Division of IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories consists of three laboratories, which are located in Monaco. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine and atmospheric environmental processes and dynamics, and to identify and address environmental problems caused by radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants and climate change.

The Radiometrics Laboratory has expertise in the fields of marine radioactivity measurements, development of radioanalytical methods, low-level counting, modelling of marine dispersion and transfer of radionuclides, environmental and radiological assessments, marine database management, and radiotracer applications in oceanographic, pollution and climate studies. It collaborates with Member States to assist them in their development and to implement capacity building technical cooperation projects. It operates underground low-level counting facilities and is accredited for the production of Reference Materials. It also helps them to prepare for radiological emergency situations, carries out missions at sea, supports analytical quality in Member States laboratories and provides training.

Main Purpose

The main purpose of the internship is to participate to the analysis of marine sediment samples collected from the Indian Ocean by gamma-ray spectrometry.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Preparation and analysis of Indian Oceans sediment samples by gamma-ray spectrometry.

Qualifications and Experience

  • University degree in Physics, Nuclear Science and Engineering or a related field Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Basic knowledge of gamma-ray spectrometry and marine radioactivity.
  • Written and oral communication in English

Applicant Eligibility

• Candidates must be a minimum of 20 years of age and have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a first degree. • Candidates may apply up to one year after the completion of a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree. • Candidates must not have previously participated in the IAEA's internship programme. • Good written and spoken English essential; fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) an asset. • Candidates must attach two signed letters of recommendation to their application.

Potential interview questions

Describe your experience with gamma-ray spectrometry techniques. The interviewer seeks to understand your practical knowledge and experience in gamma-ray spectrometry as it relates to the internship. Summarize relevant academic or practical experiences and how they apply to this internship.
What motivated you to apply for an internship at the IAEA? The interviewer wants to gauge your interest in the organization and its mission. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you manage your time when working on multiple projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain what marine radioactivity is and why it’s significant? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your familiarity with environmental assessment methodologies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with others on a research project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you know about the IAEA's Major Programme 2? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach learning new scientific techniques or methodologies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: iaea.org