Laboratory Technician (Radiochemistry)(G5)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for over 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The main objective of the Department is to maintain and further develop an effective and efficient verification system in order to draw independent, impartial and timely safeguards conclusions, thus providing credible assurances to the international community that States are in compliance with their safeguards obligations. Safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically complex environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political and cultural diversity of the countries.

The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions: three Operations Divisions for the implementation of verification activities around the world; three Technical Divisions (Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services); and three Offices (the Office for Verification in Iran, the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services).

Within the Office of the Deputy Director General, Head of the Department of Safeguards, the Section for Safeguards Programme Coordination serves as the principal advisory body in support of the entire management of the Department including formulation and execution of departmental management policies and procedures. The Section provides internal coordination and support in the areas of programme and budget, human resources, performance monitoring, effectiveness evaluation, communication, reporting and project support.

The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental swipe samples, as well as the coordination of logistics and the Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL). Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, the Office is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory, including the On-Site Laboratory (OSL) in Japan, the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section.

The Nuclear Material Laboratory is responsible for the treatment and measurement of nuclear material accountancy and complementary access samples. The section includes the OSL Team located at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant, Japan.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Chemistry Team Leader of the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Laboratory Technician (Radiochemistry) is primarily responsible for the preparation and measurement of inspection samples of nuclear material taken for material balance evaluation purposes. In addition, he/she prepares laboratory reagents and quality control solutions made from certified reference materials, and supports other lab technicians in maintaining the safe condition and efficient operation of the laboratory. Upon request from Team Leader, the Laboratory Technician may be assigned analytical tasks related to special projects, high-priority requests or other unusual activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Prepare routine inspection samples of uranium and/or plutonium for assay determination.
• Prepare laboratory reagents and quality control solutions using certified reference materials..
• Determine uranium concentration by either the Davies & Gray titration or gravimetry methods.
• Carry out chemical separations using column extraction chromatography.
• Create aliquots for mass spectrometric determination of isotopic composition.
• Prepare uranium sample solutions for disposal and maintain accurate accountancy records.
• Process interlaboratory comparison exercise samples.
• In cooperation with EURATOM inspectors, process and prepare UF6 samples for isotopic determination.
• Order chemicals and supplies as needed.
• Participate in the SGAS on-call system.

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 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. 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.Functional Competencies

Name Definition Analytical thinking Gathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions. Client orientation Establishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction. Knowledge sharing and learning Actively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice. Required Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Chemistry Chemistry Experience with a broad range of standard laboratory chemistry methods and techniques. Safeguards Destructive Assay Practical experience in the treatment and measurement of plutonium and uranium in different forms (oxide, nitrate, fluoride or metal) for assay and isotopic determination. Chemistry Radiochemistry Practical experience working in glove boxes.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Completed secondary education. Post-secondary education in the field of chemistry an asset.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in an analytical laboratory, preferably in the field of nuclear material analysis.
• 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.

Note: In-line with nuclear security requirements, persons undertaking the Laboratory Technician (Radiochemistry) role are required to undergo security background checks.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 48132 (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 only. 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------