Laboratory Technician (FEPL)(G4)

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 Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food and environmental protection.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Head (Food Safety and Control Laboratory) the Laboratory Technician (FSCL) assists in implementing the agreed work programme of the laboratory and the subprogramme by providing technical support, performing routine analytical methods and instrumental analyses, and assisting in the training of Member State fellows and trainees to effect technology transfer.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Undertake routine duties related to the preparation, extraction and clean-up of food samples for analysis and assist in performing stable isotope measurements and methods for the detection of contaminants using, chromatographic and-mass spectrometry techniques, as well as statistical analysis, within the framework of a quality assurance programme.
Assist professional staff in the validation of analytical methods for food traceability and authenticity and contaminant control by repeat analysis of samples to characterise method performance.
Operate and perform routine maintenance on analytical equipment such as IRMS, GC and HPLC.
Assist in the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) by recording the practical steps, details and variations involved in the procedures performed.
Demonstrate routine laboratory procedures in the training of fellows and other trainees in the laboratory.
Assist professional staff and peers in applying 14C radiotracer techniques through preparation of solutions of radiotracer-labelled substances, operation of a biological oxidiser and liquid scintillation counter.
Maintain records, backup and archive data of the Unit.
Maintain laboratory supplies using the low-value procurement process in liaison with the FEPL Team Assistant
Clean glassware and laboratory equipment.

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.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Completed secondary education.

Minimum four years working experience in a laboratory, specifically in food analysis, or in stable- and/or radio-isotope analysis as well as in operating and maintaining analytical equipment.

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 51384 (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.
• 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.