Laboratory Technician (Aquarium Biology for Radioecology)(G4)

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 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 Radioecology Laboratory's mission is to improve knowledge about the behaviour and fate of radionuclides and other contaminants in the environment, with a particular emphasis on the biosphere. It aims to assist and enhance Member States' capabilities in the field of radioecology and its applications to ecotoxicology and biogeochemistry.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Laboratory Head and with guidance from Professional staff, the Laboratory Technician (Aquarium Biology for Radioecology) prepares experimental aquaria for radioecological research, maintains live marine organisms and assists in all aspects of the laboratory experiments, including analyses of live organisms using radioisotope-based methods and preparation of research aquaria. He/she is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeeping of all laboratory equipment and instruments, preparation of radiolabelled matrices, as well as the specialized seawater follow-through system. The Laboratory Technician (Aquarium Biology for Radioecology) also assists in the training and development of fellows and interns on the application of marine radiotracer techniques.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Participate in conducting radioecology experiments by preparing experimental research aquaria, maintaining healthy stocks of select marine organisms, such as phytoplankton, fish and mussels, preparing radiolabelled matrices, analysing live organisms and experimental organic and inorganic material, (on topics of e.g., ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms and biotoxins, marine microplastics impact on organisms using radiotracer methods);
• Perform regular analysis of diverse marine biological samples as requested, according to the regular and extra budgetary programme work of the Radioecology Section and within established standards and procedures;
• Participate in sampling missions (including ship-based) to collect coastal and marine samples for projects in radioecology;
• Maintain laboratory facilities according to existing protocols and standards (inventories of radioactive sources and waste disposal, experimental records, safety records);
• Provide technical assistance and technical guidance in the training of fellows and other trainees on the application of marine radiotracer techniques.

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)

NameDefinition 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

NameDefinition 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.

Required Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description BioscienceNatural SciencesKnowledge of Marine Biology, expertise in laboratory experimental work with radiotracers on ocean acidification, microplastics in marine organisms, biotoxins and receptor-binding assay, expertise in aquaria and laboratory maintenance.

Asset Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description Administrative SupportMS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) – proficiency in using MS Office tools and the ability to use spreadsheets. Knowledge to process analytical data using instrument-specific software and excel-based calculations.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Completed secondary education. Post-secondary studies with relevance to the tasks above an asset.
• Minimum of four years of relevant working experience in marine biology and or radioecology with a focus on laboratory experimental work, aquariology, or laboratory work in aquatic research.
• Specialized training in an environment-related discipline (biochemistry, biology, chemistry, oceanography, etc.) an asset.
• Working knowledge in aquatic animal husbandry, life support systems and maintenance of diverse marine organisms for research.
• Working knowledge in ecotoxicology is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of 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 41485 (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.