Laboratory Technician (Uranium/Plutonium Chemistry)(G3)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA's duties and responsibilities as the world's nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.

The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.

The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and the Coordination and Support Section (CSS). The laboratory sections conduct the screening, chemical treatment and measurement of the inspection samples. The Coordination and Support Section provides a variety of key services to the laboratories, as well as managing the network of analytical laboratories. SGAS also manages analytical and inspection activities in a dedicated On-Site Laboratory at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the NML Chemistry Team Leader and working under the general supervision of a Senior Laboratory Technician, the Laboratory Technician contributes his/her technical knowledge and experience to the execution of chemical and measurement procedures used in the Plutonium/Spent Fuel Laboratories. He/she takes part in SGAS quality management activities and contributes to continual process improvements. He/she participates in the implementation of actions and tasks relating to radiation protection and safety activities of NML.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Carry out inspection sample preparation in the Plutonium and Spent Fuel laboratories for routine inspection samples.
• Follow quality control procedures to assure that analytical results meet minimum reporting standards.
• Assist with, or carry out, analytical support tasks (e.g. reagent preparation, provision of quality materials for the OSL, etc.) in the chemistry laboratories of the NML as needed.
• Assist in the ordering of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Assist in the maintenance of equipment, instrumentation and glove boxes.
• Contribute to the development of technical specifications for new equipment and/or analytical procedures.
• Assist in the validation of new analytical procedures.
• Follow established safety procedures, and propose improvements or enhancements of procedures, to strengthen the operational safety of the laboratories.
• 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 Analytical Chemistry Theoretical and practical knowledge of chemistry and physics, and practical expertise in analytical instrumentation. Administrative Support MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Practical experience in MS Office and the ability to use databases. Statistics Mathematical Analysis Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics. Asset Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Safeguards Quality Management Basic understanding of quality management and radioprotection principles. Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Completed secondary education.
• At least three years of relevant experience in an analytical laboratory, preferably in the field of nuclear material analysis.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills: ability to prioritize work assignments, to organize schedules, to perform work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity with colleagues at all levels.
• Practical experience with glove box operations is desired.
• Note: In-line with nuclear security requirements, persons undertaking the Laboratory Technician (Uranium/Plutonium Chemistry) role are required to undergo security backgrounds checks.
• Working knowledge of German is desirable.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an asset.
• English language test to IAEA standard.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 37538 (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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------