Internship - Quality control of radioactive releases data for the IAEA DIRATA database

Duration

9 months

 

Internships

The IAEA accepts a limited number of interns each year. The internships are awarded to persons studying towards a university degree or who have recently received a degree (see Internship web pages for further details).

The purpose of the programme is\:

• To provide interns with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in line with their studies or interests, and expose them to the work of the IAEA and the United Nations as a whole;
• To benefit the IAEA's programmes through the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.
• The duration of an internship is normally not less than three months and not more than one year.

  

Organizational Setting 

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEA's nuclear safety and security programme, which encompasses the IAEA's activities to protect people and the environment from radiation exposure, and responds to the needs of its Member States related to nuclear safety and nuclear security.

The Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety develops and maintains standards for radiation protection, radioactive waste safety, and safety in the transport of radioactive material that enable the beneficial uses of radiation to be exploited while ensuring appropriate protection of workers, the public, patients and the environment. It also assists Member States in the implementation of these standards and provides related services.

The Regulatory Infrastructure and Transport Safety Section (RIT) is responsible for providing Member States with safety standards, guidance and tools to foster regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety, for the safe transport of radioactive material and for managing information to identify the needs of Member States with a view to improving radiation, transport and waste safety.

The Transport Safety Unit is responsible for establishing and maintaining safety standards related to the worldwide safe transport of radioactive material, including the IAEA's Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, and to appraise the application of the safety standards in Member States. This includes efforts to foster the harmonized incorporation of the Transport Regulations and other associated safety standards by international organizations. In addition, the Unit manages projects concerned with key aspects of the Transport Regulations, provides training related to the safe transport of radioactive material, and operates and maintains databases relating to transport issues. The Unit convenes meetings to guide its activities, involving experts from Member States and associated international organizations, including the periodic convening of the Transport Safety Standards Committee (TRANSSC). It is also involved in the provision of technical cooperation to Member States, including training activities.

 

Main Purpose

The main purpose of the internship is to support the Unit with data gathering for the IAEA Database on Discharges of Radionuclides to the Atmosphere and the Aquatic Environment (DIRATA), which collates discharges from nuclear facilities around the world. This involves uploading data received from Member States and various organizations into the database. Additionally, the intern will update the user manual to incorporate new features of the database, ensure consistency in the names of facilities and installations, and contribute to improving the visualization available on the website. The intern will be working with professional scientific staff in the Unit and will receive the necessary instructions to operate the database and tools.

 

Functions / Key Results Expected

Data Entry and Upload

• Gather and organize discharge data from nuclear installations received from Member States and various international organizations.
• Upload the collected data into the DIRATA database accurately and promptly.

User Manual Update

• Revise the user manual to incorporate new features and updates in the database.
• Ensure that the manual is clear, comprehensive, and user-friendly.

Facility and Installation Updates

• Update the names of facilities and installations in the database to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Verify the correctness of the facility and installation information.

Visualization Improvements

• Contribute to the enhancement of data visualization tools available on the DIRATA website.
• Collaborate with the team to implement new visualization features and improve existing ones, ensuring they are user-friendly and informative.

Quality Control and Verification

• Perform regular quality checks on the uploaded data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Verify the consistency of data across different entries and sources.

Feedback and Reporting

• Collect feedback from database users regarding their experience and suggestions for improvements.
• Prepare reports on data entry progress, issues encountered, and proposed solutions.

 

Qualifications and Experience

• University Degree in Information Technology, Environmental Sciences or Engineering.
• Ability to organize and structure data effectively.
• Ability to analyze and verify data for consistency and completeness.
• Basic understanding of database software and data visualization tools and techniques.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to write and update user manuals clearly and comprehensively.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (mainly Excel).
• Basic knowledge of radiation safety is an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English essential; fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an asset.

 

Applicant Eligibility

• Candidates must be a minimum of 20 years of age and have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a first degree.
• Candidates may apply up to one year after the completion of a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree.
• Candidates must not have previously participated in the IAEA's internship programme.
• Good written and spoken English essential; fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) an asset.
• Candidates must attach two signed letters of recommendation to their application.