Reference Materials and Data Quality Specialist (RML) (P4)

This is a re-opening of the vacancy. Candidates who already applied need not re-submit an application.

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 Radiometrics Laboratory (RML) has expertise in the fields of marine radioactivity measurements, development of radioanalytical methods, low-level counting, modelling of dispersion, 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 also helps them to prepare for emergency situations, carries out missions at sea, supports analytical quality in Member States laboratories and provides training.

Main Purpose

As a team member reporting to the Laboratory Head, the Reference Materials and Data Quality Specialist applies expert knowledge of radioanalytical and statistical analysis methods and of international quality standards to lead the production of certified reference materials and the organisation of proficiency tests for radionuclides in marine matrices. She/he is responsible for method development and improvements relevant to reference materials and proficiency tests and to the analysis of radionuclides in marine samples, and liaises with organizations active in this field and with relevant user communities in Member States She/he supervises the effective application of nuclear and associated techniques in marine environmental and related sciences by assessing the quality of the data reported by the analysts.

Role

The Reference Materials and Data Quality Specialist is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, contributing to the planning and development of IAEA's programme in the specific area of reference products and analytical quality (2) a scientific secretary/technical lead, planning and leading technical meetings and developing strategies and new approaches to support innovation and dissemination of radioanalytical methods and statistical methods applied for marine environmental studies and reference products; (3) a technical and project officer, evaluating and contributing expert knowledge to the development and implementation of TC projects, and promoting, coordinating and evaluating complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) related to radionuclide metrology and quality management in analytical laboratories.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Coordinate IAEA’s marine radioactivity reference products programme by developing for Member States reference materials and proficiency tests for radionuclides in marine matrices. In particular plan, prepare and characterise certified reference materials; and plan, prepare and analyse results of proficiency tests.
• Lead the development of radioanalytical methods for radionuclides in marine environmental samples, such as seawater, biological samples, sediments and suspended particulate matter.
• Provide expert advice for the development and maintenance of NAEL’s quality management system (QMS); and develop QMS documentation related to reference products.
• Ensure, check and assess the quality of the radioanalytical results reported by the analysis for marine environmental, reference material and proficiency test samples.
• Formulate, evaluate and implement projects in the field of radioanalytical methods in the marine environment, in particular to develop radiochemical and statistical methods relevant to environmental samples and reference material and proficiency test samples.
• Propose strategies in the fields of radioanalytical methods, reference products, radionuclide metrology and quality management, which need to be addressed at international level.
• Develop and implement CRPs, evaluate and monitor individual research contracts, organize meetings and prepare technical reports.
• Provide technical expertise to TC projects (national, regional and interregional) related to radioanalytical methods and quality management, including the evaluation of project proposals, progress reports, procurement, fellowships and expert missions.
• Coordinate the preparation and publication of relevant technical documents in the area of radiochemistry, reference material certification and proficieny test evaluation.
• Supervise interns, fellows and trainees in the areas of analysis of radionuclides in marine samples, quality management and reference products.

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 Analyses information to identify cause and effect relationships and correlations. Identifies critical elements and assesses consequences of different courses of action and proposes solutions. Knowledge sharing and learning Actively seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge and information with others; shares specialized knowledge, skills and learning from experience across different situations and contexts effectively. Technical/scientific credibility Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.Required Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Statistics Advanced Statistical Methods Expertise in statistical tools for the analysis and evaluation of radioanalytical results. Environment Quality Management Expertise in accreditation to ISO standards, quality management and good laboratory practice for radioanalytical techniques. Chemistry Radioanalytical Techniques Demonstrable competence in radiochemical techniques for the determination of radionuclides in environmental samplesAsset Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Management and Programme Analysis Project Management Expertise in project management principles and practices.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• An advanced University Degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics or closely related field.
• At least seven years relevant experience in reference materials production, environmental radiochemistry, statistical data treatment or laboratory quality management.
• Proven experience in radiochemical techniques for the determination of radionuclides in environmental samples.
• Proven experience in accreditation to ISO standards, quality management and good laboratory practice for radioanalytical techniques.
• Proven experience in statistical tools.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $72637 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 31524*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------