Mass Spectrometry Specialist(P3)

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 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, the Mass Spectrometry Specialist implements operational aspects of the Mass Spectrometry Team (MST) for the analysis of actinides by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). The Mass Spectrometry Specialist takes responsibility for sample throughput and timeliness, and contributes to quality management activities through innovative process improvements, method development, and maintaining the instruments at the best level of performance and reliability.

Role

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist is: (1) an expert in the analysis of actinides, performing isotopic measurements using TIMS and ICPMS, while seeking opportunities for the continual improvement of existing analytical procedures; (2) a technical expert contributing to the diagnosis of complex technical issues, the development and maintenance of software tools for data processing, and the tuning and alignment of instruments; and (3) a team player contributing to upholding compliance across all team operations in line with IAEA regulations and laboratory best practices.
NOTE: The Mass Spectrometry Specialist may perform his/her work in areas exposed to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, the incumbent must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Services and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health-monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Participate in the preparation and analysis of actinides (U, Pu, Th, Am) in safeguards samples, using TIMS and ICPMS.
Coordinate the workflow of inspection samples and quality control (QC) samples to ensure that analytical results meet pre-established timeliness goals and quality requirements.
Ensure the quality of analytical results by developing and following analytical procedures and QC charts, while seeking opportunities for continual improvement.
Ensure the analytical and ancillary equipment are maintained at the highest level and provide fit-for-purpose analytical results.
Contribute to the maintenance and operation of the laboratories to ensure the required quality standards are met.
Keep abreast of developments in the field of mass spectrometry pertaining to high-accuracy actinide analyses and contribute to the implementation of new techniques and improved methodologies.

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)

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 Commitment to continuous process improvement Plans and executes activities in the context of quality and risk management and identifies opportunities for process, system and structural improvement, as well as improving current practices. Analyses processes and procedures, and proposes improvements. 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 Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Sound knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry for material assay. Physics Mass Spectrometric Isotope Ratio Measurements In-depth knowledge of and expertise with techniques to accurately and precisely measure isotope ratios. Physics Mass Spectrometry Expertise in analytical method development, troubleshooting and maintenance of TIMS and/or ICPMS. Physics Metrology Expertise in data evaluation, quality control and uncertainty estimation.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

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

Minimum of five years of experience working with Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS).
Demonstrated experience in the implementation and/or administration of ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 quality management systems an asset.
Experience with the analysis of actinides (U, Pu, Th, Am) in a radiologically-controlled laboratory environment an asset.

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 $71335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 38664*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks' annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions

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. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly 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.
• 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.
• Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
• 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.