Research Scientist (Marine Studies) (RML) (P3)

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 IAEA Environment Laboratories Division consists of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine, terrestrial and atmospheric environmental processes and dynamics, and to identify and address environmental problems caused by radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants and climate change. The Radiometrics Laboratory  (RML) has expertise in the fields of marine radioactivity measurements, development of radioanalytical methods, low-level counting, modelling of dispersion, environmental and radiological assessments, marine database management, and radiotracer applications in oceanographic, pollution and climate studies. It collaborates with Member States to assist them in their development and to implement capacity building technical cooperation projects. It also helps them to prepare for emergency situations, carries out missions at sea, supports analytical quality in Member States laboratories and provides training.

Main Purpose

As a member of the Radiometrics Laboratory led by the Laboratory Head, the Research Scientist coordinates and conducts the processing of numerous marine samples/year for analysis of natural and artificial radionuclides. She/he contributes to radioanalytical method development and radioanalytical laboratory work and to the development of techniques for contamination and process studies in coastal zones and the open ocean using radioactive and stable isotopes. She/he contributes to NAEL’s Radiation Safety Programme and supports technically and scientifically Coordinated Research and Technical Cooperation Projects.

Role

The Research Scientist is\: (1) a researcher using radioanalytical methods to analyse radionuclides in marine matrices;(2) a specialist in planning, developing and validating radiochemical methods and carrying out research activities in the laboratory; (3) a specialist applying tracer methods to study oceanographic processes and marine pollution and carrying out related field studies (4) a scientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading technical meetings and developing strategies to support environmental radioactivity assessment and networking of marine radioanalytical laboratories and (5) a project officer, coordinating and evaluating coordinated research projects (CRPs) related to radionuclides in the marine environment (6) a technical officer evaluating and contributing expert knowledge to the implementation of TC projects.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Assist in the development and implementation of radioanalytical techniques and participate in the radioanalytical work carried out in the Radiometrics Laboratory on environmental, reference material and proficiency test samples.
• Implement and apply tracer methods in studies of oceanographic processes, marine pollution and environmental change.
• Provide expert advice for NAEL’s Radiation Safety Programme.
• Promote, coordinate and evaluate CRPs, and conduct related studies.
• Provide scientific and technical support to technical cooperation projects, aiming to harmonize methodologies and strategies in the area of marine environmental studies using nuclear and associated techniques.
• Plan, organize and conduct training for analytical methods for radionuclides in marine samples.
• In close collaboration with the Quality Manager, contribute to the development and maintenance of NAEL’s quality management system in the area of radiochemistry.
• Provide input to the preparation of reports.
• Plan and participate in research and training cruises for the collection of marine samples.
• Participate in meetings and conferences according to programmatic needs
• Represent the IAEA in working groups and expert’s meetings in support of collaborative research and project management and promote collaboration with other UN organizations and Regional Seas 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

Functional Competencies

Required Expertise

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills 

• A university degree in Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Marine Chemistry or a related field is required. An advanced university degree in the required fields would be an asset. 
• At least five years of relevant experience in radioanalytical and tracer techniques ideally in the applications to marine studies.
• Good publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Working experience in radiochemistry, preferably marine radiochemistry.
  
• 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 $60233 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 26141, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

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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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