Research Scientist (inorganic) (Marine Environmental Studies Lab)(P3)

Overview

Lead research on ICP-MS for marine environmental studies

You have:

• University degree in analytical chemistry, environmental geochemistry/chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum five years' relevant experience using ICP-MS, including routine instrument operation and maintenance.
• Excellent oral and written command of English.
• Experience with data quality management and inter-laboratory studies is desirable.
• Advanced degree (master's and/or PhD) in relevant fields is an asset.

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 IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories consists of three laboratories, which are located in Monaco. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine and atmospheric environmental processes and dynamics, and to identify and address environmental problems caused by radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants and climate change.

The Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory (MESL) is the analytical support centre for isotopic and elemental analysis of trace elements, organic contaminants and long-lived radionuclides in the marine environment. It provides reference materials, recommends procedures and carries out proficiency tests and interlaboratory comparisons for quality assurance programmes for the determination of non-nuclear contaminants. It implements marine monitoring programmes in collaboration with regional laboratories, and provides training in analytical techniques and metrology in chemistry.

Main Purpose

As a technical lead under the Laboratory Head, the Research Scientist is in charge of the Divisions inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as well as develops new analytical methodologies, develops and organises trainings for Member State scientists in analytical techniques for trace elements and data quality assurance, produces marine reference materials for trace elements, organises global inter-comparison exercises.

Role

The Research Scientist is: (i) a technical specialist, designing programmes and supervising ICP-MS sample preparation and the scientific activities of at least 1 laboratory technician, as well as trainees and fellows, as required; (ii) a laboratory manager responsible for overseeing the entire inorganic unit, including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AAS, mercury and methylmercury analysers; (iii) and a quality technical lead for the unit, providing oversight on intercomparison exercises and proficiency tests. The Research Scientist is a Reference Materials Specialist providing oversight on the production of reference materials for trace elements and methylmercury and on the organisation of intercomparison exercises and proficiency tests. In his role of MESL Quality coordinator, the Research Scientist is implementing the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories' quality system and is contributing to the maintenance of the Divisions quality system.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Upgrade, optimize, and develop the MESL's ICP-MS capability to enable rapid and ultrasensitive studies of the environmental distributions and behaviours of trace elements and radionuclides, enabling the laboratory to meet the research and training demands of the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories.

Train and supervise personnel, as well as Member States' scientists and fellows, in use of ICP-MS for analyses of trace metals and radionuclides which can contribute to the diagnosis of contaminant sources and fates, using nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Carry out trace element and radionuclide analyses by ICP-MS on marine samples originating from the Division’s regular and extrabudgetary programmes and furnished by the other scientific sections of the Division.

Contribute to MESL's efforts to support quality assurance for Member States by conducting worldwide intercomparison exercises, laboratory proficiency tests, quality missions, etc.

Organize training courses for the determination of trace metals in the marine environment covering sampling, laboratory QA/QC procedures, instrumental analyses, and strategic design of monitoring programmes.

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 takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards. Partnership building Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals. 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 Environment Environmental Analytical Techniques Knowledge of marine environmental processes and the application of analytical techniques to monitor and assess contaminants in the marine environment. Environment Quality Management Thorough knowledge of laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures. Metrology Reference Materials Production Experience of Reference Materials production and the organisation of inter-laboratory studies. Knowledge of associated data quality management procedures. Chemistry Trace Element Analysis Thorough knowledge of trace element analysis and the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Robust experience in analytical method development. Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

University degree (bachelor's) in analytical chemistry, environmental geochemistry/chemistry, or a closely related field.

Advanced degree (master's and/or PhD) in analytical chemistry, environmental geochemistry/chemistry, or a closely related field, an asset.

Minimum five years' relevant experience using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), including routine instrument operation and maintenance.

Experience with sample preparation, isotope dilution analysis, ultratrace analysis.

Experience in data quality management, inter-laboratory studies, proficiency tests and the production of reference materials desirable.

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 $62692 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 30092*, 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: iaea.org