Research Scientist (P-3)

Position and Grade:	Research Scientist (P-3)
Organizational Unit:	Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory IAEA Environment Laboratories Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Monaco
Issue Date:	24 July 2014
Application Deadline:	3 September 2014
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

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 consists of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division implements the IAEA Environment Programme and operates in a complex matrix environment with inputs from many parts of the organization, such as the Department of Technical Cooperation for the implementation of projects, and also collaborates with other Departments. The Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory is the analytical support centre for isotopic and elemental analysis of trace elements, organic contaminants and long lived radionuclides in the marine environment. It provides reference materials, recommends procedures and carries out proficiency tests and interlaboratory comparisons for quality assurance programmes for the determination of non-nuclear contaminants. It implements marine monitoring programmes in collaboration with regional laboratories, and provides training in analytical techniques and metrology in chemistry.

Main purpose

As a team leader under the Section Head, the Research Scientist supervises and develops MESL's Organic Chemistry laboratory, which carries out measurements of organic contaminants and stable isotopes in marine samples for the study of climate change and pollution processes, as required by the regular and extrabudgetary programmes of the NAEL, contributing to a results-oriented programmatic response to Member States' priorities related to the protection of the marine environment. The Research Scientist develops new analytical methodologies, trains Member States scientists in these techniques, organises global intercomparison exercises and produces marine Reference Materials.

Role

The Research Scientist is a technical specialist carrying out complex chemical procedures, improving existing procedures, and modifying or devising procedures for new applications; a laboratory managerresponsible for overseeing all Laboratory activities in the area of organic contaminants, including GC-MS, LC-MS and GC-IRMS analyses as well as supervising staff; and a quality manager for the Unit, providing oversight on intercomparison exercises and proficiency tests.

Partnerships

The Research Scientist builds networks with scientists and technical staff from Member States' laboratories in training activities and advises them on issues related to analytical methodologies for measuring organic contaminants in the marine environment. The incumbent also builds on existing working relationships with staff of the IAEA and other UN system organisations, including collaboration on technical cooperation activities with other international organisations such as UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), GEF (Global Environmental Facility), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), or international projects sponsored by bodies such as the European Union, to ensure the effective utilisation of technical inputs to the design and implementation of marine pollution and climate change programmes.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Upgrade, optimize and develop analytical methods for organic contaminants and stable isotopes, to enable rapid and sensitive studies of the environmental distribution and behaviour of contaminants in the marine environment, in order to meet the research and training demands of MESL. Train and supervise personnel, as well as Member States' scientists and fellows, in the use of GC-MS, LC-MS and GC-IRMS for the analysis of organic contaminants and stable isotopes, which can contribute to the diagnosis of contaminants sources and fates. Carry out organic contaminants and stable isotopes analyses by available analytical equipment, on marine sample originating from NAEL's regular and extrabudgetary programmes and provided by NAEL's other Sections. Contribute to MESL's efforts to support quality assurance for Member States' laboratories by conducting worldwide intercomparison exercises, laboratory proficiency tests, and missions to Member States' laboratories. Organise training courses for the determination of organic contaminants (including Persistent Organic Pollutants, Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Flame Retardants, etc.) in the marine environment covering sampling, laboratory QA/QC procedures, instrumental analyses, and strategic design of monitoring programmes. Organise and supervise the production of Certified Reference Materials for organic pollutants in marine samples. Supervise the accreditation process and the maintenance of the laboratory's quality system in the Organic Laboratory Unit of MESL.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical skills: Knowledge of methodologies for the analysis of marine samples for organic contaminants and stable isotopes. Strong practical skills in the operation and maintenance of GC-MS, LC-MS and GC-IRMS. Knowledge of organic marine chemistry. Planning and organising skills: Ability to plan the work of staff and the use of equipment to meet changing customers' requirements, to arrange for the procurement of items ranging from routine supplies to complex laboratory instrumentation, and to seek out new analytical procedures and methods with the goal of continuous improvement. Communication skills: Strong presentation skills. Confirmed ability to write and edit scientific and technical reports. Interpersonal skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff of the IAEA and other UN system organisations and scientists/technical staff from Member States' laboratories. Ability to work as a team leader in a cooperative manner with other colleagues to achieve collaborative organizational goals. Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced degree in analytical organic chemistry/marine organic geochemistry/chemistry, or a closely related field. A minimum of five years' relevant experience using analytical techniques for the determination of organic contaminants in marine samples, including routine instrument operation and maintenance. Experience in data quality management, interlaboratory studies, proficiency tests and the production of reference materials desirable. Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of French desirable. Knowledge of other IAEA official languages (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $56 198 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $42 710*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave,pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

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.