Laboratory Technician (Terrestrial Environment Laboratory)(G4)

Support operations of the TERC Laboratory for environmental sample analysis.

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IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency

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Application deadline 8 months ago: Monday 1 Dec 2025 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Support operations of the TERC Laboratory for environmental sample analysis.

You have:

  • Completed secondary education.
  • University degree in chemistry or equivalent an asset.
  • Minimum of four years of working experience in analytical laboratories.
  • Experience in the preparation and processing of samples for analytical measurements.
  • Understanding of chemical and laboratory safety.
  • Working experience in a laboratory quality system and awareness of related ISO standards.
  • Good oral and written command of English. Knowledge of German and other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
  • Administrative skills testing to IAEA standard might be part of the selection process.

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

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 Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the Division provides support to Member States in the following fields: production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in health care and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Head of the Terrestrial Environmental Radiochemistry (TERC) Laboratory, the Laboratory Technician supports the operations of the TERC Laboratory for the analysis of environmental samples and the provision of reference materials and proficiency test exercises.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Preparation of samples for radionuclide, trace element and stable isotope analysis including within cleanroom laboratories.
  • Perform particle size measurements and dry weight determination on samples.
  • Preparation of candidate reference materials including sieving, milling, homogenisation and bottling.
  • Supporting the laboratory ISO17034 Quality System including assisting in internal audits.
  • Procurement of laboratory supplies and ensuring laboratory supply stocks are replaced.
  • Support other laboratory activities as required.

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(Competency Framework)

Name****Definition CommunicationCommunicates 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 ResultsTakes 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. TeamworkActively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions. Planning and OrganizingPlans 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 Analytical thinkingGathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions. Client orientationEstablishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction. Knowledge sharing and learningActively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

  • Completed secondary education.
  • University degree in chemistry or equivalent an asset.
  • Minimum of four years of working experience in analytical laboratories.
  • Experience in the preparation and processing of samples for analytical measurements.
  • Understanding of chemical and laboratory safety.
  • Working experience in a laboratory quality system and awareness of related ISO standards.
  • Good oral and written command of English. Knowledge of German and other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
  • Administrative skills testing to IAEA standard might be part of the selection process.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 50032 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/general-service-staff

General Information

  • The IAEA's paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
  • Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person's race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
  • The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce.
  • Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only. 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.
  • 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.
  • The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

  • The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
  • Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

  • Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
  • 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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with sample preparation in analytical laboratories? This question assesses your practical knowledge and experience in laboratory procedures. Provide specific examples of your past roles and the types of samples you've prepared.
How do you ensure safety in a laboratory environment? Safety is critical in labs, especially involving radioactive materials. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you implemented or improved a quality control process. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to maintain clear communication in a team setting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a challenge you faced in your previous laboratory work and how you overcame it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What techniques do you apply when analyzing environmental samples? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle procurement of laboratory supplies to ensure timely availability? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach learning new methodologies in laboratory practices? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: iaea.org