Senior Analytical Chemist (P-4)

About Us

The OPCW’s Verification Division works towards achieving chemical disarmament and preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons through participation in the planning and oversight of inspections at both military and chemical industry facilities. The division also manages declarations while maintaining and strengthening the scientific capabilities of the Organisation, especially its laboratory component. The division also conducts Technical Assistance Visits at the request of States Parties.

The Division is responsible for the day-to-day operation of OPCW’s verification regime. It is a key element of the Secretariat, using trustworthy and science-based information to implement all aspects of the Convention including decisions from the Policy Making Organs.

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P4
• 
  Total Salary (including post adjustment)
  USD 110,421
• Closing Date
  30/09/2021

Responsibilities

Job Summary

This position is part of the OPCW Laboratory that is responsible to provide efficient and effective support, technical as well as scientific advice to the Organisation on the verification related activities. The OPCW Laboratory provides trainings and certifications on equipment and procedures, handle authentic samples taken during inspections as well as do research, development and implementation methods for analysis and testing programs; and maintains the OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD).

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Analytical Chemist are to support the implementation of a credible verification regime by ensuring that the OPCW Laboratory operates in an efficient manner in accordance with quality assurance standards.

At this moment we have 2 vacant posts: Senior Analytical Chemist Environmental (SAC Environmental) and Senior Analytical Chemist Bioanalytical (SAC Bioanalytical).

Main Responsibilities

(SAC Environmental) The incumbent of this post is responsible for the Environmental Proficiency Testing Scheme. This involves oversight of sample preparation, test scenario composition, sample dispatch, communication with designated laboratories, oversight of report evaluation and all the administrative tasks associated with the designation system.

(SAC Bioanalytical) The incumbent of this post is responsible for the Toxin Confidence Building Exercise. This involves sample preparation, dispatch, report evaluation and administration. Assist with the management of the biomedical proficiency testing programme.

Each Senior Analytical Chemist will provide technical advice and support on inspection equipment-related topics and verification-related analytical matters to include technical support to inspectors in the field during routine inspections.

To view the complete Job Description, please click the link. 

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential: An advanced degree in Chemistry or equivalent from a recognized institution. A first-level university degree in combination with extensive relevant laboratory experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Desirable: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Toxicology preferably with a focus on Analytical or Bioanalytical Chemistry.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

At least 7 years experience in the field of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis with advanced degree or 9 years with first level degree;
A minimum of 6 years recent and practical experience as operator of GC/MS and/or LC/MS and/or NMR instrumentation;
(SAC Environmental): Several years of recent and practical experience in the analysis of chemical weapons related samples; including sample collection and sample preparation procedures for environmental samples;
(SAC Bioanalytical): Several years of recent and practical experience in the analysis of DNA and/or proteins and/or peptides.
 

Desirable:

(SAC Environmental): Experience in the analysis of biomedical samples will be an asset. 

(SAC Environmental and Bioanalytical): Skills in the small-scale synthesis of CWC related chemicals for analysis are highly desirable.  Experience developing & teaching training courses will be an asset.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role you will need the following skills and competencies:

• Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their precursors and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC;


• Knowledge of sampling and analysis procedures for the analysis of chemical weapons related chemicals and of related instrumental analytical methods and techniques (GC/MS, LC/MS, FTIR, NMR);


• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures and international standards;


• Strong computer software and electronic data management skills;


• (SAC Environmental): Practical knowledge of GC/MS processing software such as Agilent Chemstation and MS library managing software such as NIST MS Search/AMDIS;


• (SAC Bioanalytical): Practical knowledge of LC/MS systems and processing software;


• Basic understanding of general analytical methods including their limitations and of modern instrumentation needed to apply these methods in field as well as laboratory situations;


• A broad understanding of the various analytical techniques (and their limitations) used by laboratories in the analysis of Convention related chemicals;


• Ability to manage teams in working on technical projects, background in quality management systems;


• Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Information

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.

The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

Only applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

OPCW General Terms and Conditions

Important notice for applicants who are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system

Although headquartered in the Netherlands, the OPCW is not a regular Dutch employer but a public international organisation with its own special status. Please be advised that if you are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system, you will be excluded from this system as a staff member of the OPCW. You will consequently be insured under the organisation’s system. The above also applies to your dependents unless they are employed by a regular Dutch employer, they are self-employed in the Netherlands, or are receiving Dutch social security payments.

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment for more information about the possible consequences for you and your dependents, such as exclusion from ‘AWBZ’ and ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ coverage: ‘Werken bij een internationale organisatie’.