SIMS Specialist(P3)

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IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Sunday 16 Apr 2023 at 21:59 UTC

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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 Team Leader of the Microparticle Analysis (MPA) Team, the SIMS Specialist implements operational aspects of the MPA team for the analysis of uranium particles in environmental samples (ES) by Large-geometry Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (LG-SIMS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and other related techniques. The SIMS Specialist contributes to quality management activities through innovative process improvements in analysis and the production of particle Quality Control (QC) materials.

Role

The SIMS Specialist is: (i) a technical specialist performing isotopic measurements using LG-SIMS and other techniques, and seeking opportunities for the continual improvement of existing analytical procedures; (ii) a technical expert contributing to the diagnosis of technical issues, the development and maintenance of complex software tool for data processing and the tuning and alignment of the instrument; (iii) a team player who ensures that all team operations are performed in compliance with IAEA regulations and laboratory best practices..

Functions / Key Results Expected

Participate in the preparation and analysis of uranium particles in safeguards environmental samples, using LG-SIMS, SEM and other related techniques;

Ensure the quality of analytical results by developing and following analytical procedures and QC charts, while seeking opportunities for continual improvement to laboratory methods and techniques;

Contribute to the production and characterization of particle QC materials for internal and external quality control programs;

Ensure the analytical and ancillary equipment is maintained at the adequate level to provide fit-for-purpose analytical results;

Contribute to the maintenance and operation of the laboratories to ensure the required quality standards;

Keep abreast of developments in the field of environmental sample analysis and contribute to the implementation of new techniques and improved methodologies (e.g. Laser Ablation Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Mass Spectrometry, LA-ICPMS).

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 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. Client orientation Helps clients to analyse their needs. Seeks to understand service needs from the client’s perspective and ensure that the client’s standards are met. 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. Required Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Physics Mass Spectrometric Isotope Ratio Measurements In-depth knowledge of and experience with techniques to accurately and precisely measure isotope ratios in micron-sized samples. Physics Metrology Experience in data evaluation and uncertainty estimation. Physics Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry In-depth experience with Large-Geometry Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. Asset Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Metrology Quality Management Experience in the implementation and/or administration of ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 quality management systems. Chemistry Radiochemistry Experience with the analysis of trace actinides in a cleanroom environment. Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Bachelor's Degree - University degree in physical sciences, materials science, analytical chemistry, geochemistry or equivalent related field.

Minimum of five years of experience working with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).

Experience in the isotopic analysis of uranium and/or other actinides.

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 $64121 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 30073*, 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: iaea.org