Laboratory Technician (Environmental Geochemistry)(G4)

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, 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 IAEA Environment Laboratories Division consists of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine, terrestrial and atmospheric environmental processes and dynamics, and to identify and address environmental problems caused by radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants and climate change.The Radioecology Laboratory applies nuclear and nuclear-derived techniques to improve knowledge about the behavior and fate of radionuclides and other contaminants in the marine environment, and the impacts of climate related changes on oceans and ecosystems. It aims to assist and enhance Member State’s capability in the field of radioecology and its applications to ecotoxicology and biogeochemistry.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Laboratory Head and with direction from Professional staff, the Laboratory Technician works in the IAEA Environment Laboratories to prepare and assist in the analysis of sediment samples for geochronological models. He/she adheres to standard operating procedures and best laboratory practices and helps maintain associated laboratory equipment. He/she will also assist with data reduction and data management, assuring that a detailed inventory is kept up to date from sample logs to eventual data processing and sample storage.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Assist in sample preparation for geochronological reconstructions by conducting laboratory digestions and chemical separations, by preparing and maintaining associated laboratory infrastructure, analyzing sediment for a suite of U/Th series radionuclides using alpha and gamma spectrometers, and archiving data.
• Perform routine analysis of sediment samples, within the scope of the extra budgetary project on Blue Carbon within established standards and procedures.
• Provide assistance to other Radioecology staff in the application of marine radiotracer techniques.
• Participate in sampling missions to collect coastal and marine samples for associated projects.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and infrastructure according to existing protocols and standards (inventories of radioactive sources and waste disposal, experimental records, safety records).

The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

table { border-collapse: collapse; } table, th, td { word-wrap: break-word; valign="top"; } Name Definition Communication Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. Achieving Results Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. Teamwork Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions. Planning and Organizing Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.Functional Competencies

Name Definition Judgement/decision making Consults with supervisor/manager and makes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Partnership building Develops and maintains partnerships needed for his/her work. Establishes and nurtures positive relations with partners and stakeholders. Technical/scientific credibility Acquires and applies new skills to remain up to date in his/her area of expertise. Reliably applies knowledge of basic technical/scientific methods and concepts.Asset Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Bioscience Isotopic Techniques to Study Pollution and Climate Change Processes Working knowledge in isotopic techniques to study marine pollution and climate change.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Completed secondary education.
• Minimum of four years of relevant working experience.
• Specialized training in an environment-related discipline (geochemistry, geology, radiochemistry, oceanography, etc.) would be an asset.
• Background in sampling techniques and lab experience in environmental geochemistry.
• Basic knowledge of data manipulation using spreadsheets.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
• English language test (level 2) to IAEA standard.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 36106 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report. Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS. Non-local candidates will be considered only when no suitable candidate from the duty station is identified and will be subject to local recruitment. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Outside applicants are required to supply to the IAEA or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the IAEA. Testing may be part of the recruitment process. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------