Consultant – ALPS Radioanalytical Measurements and Method Development

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, marine 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 Division of IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories consists of three laboratories, which are located in Monaco. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine 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 has expertise in the fields of marine radioactivity measurements, development of radioanalytical methods, low-level counting, modelling of marine dispersion and transfer of radionuclides, 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 operates underground low-level counting facilities and is accredited for the production of Reference Materials. It also helps them to prepare for radiological emergency situations, carries out missions at sea, supports analytical quality in Member States laboratories and provides training.

Main Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical expertise related to the Radiometrics Laboratory's corroboration of source and environmental monitoring; an integral part of the IAEA Review of Safety Related Aspects of Handling ALPS Treated Water at FDNPS. This work is undertaken within the scope of MP1 (safe operation at nuclear facilities according to IAEA Safety Standards) and MP2 (protection of the environment). The consultant will provide technical insight, establish verified methods for analyses of radionuclides in ALPS treated water and apply these and existing methods for the analysis of samples from Japan, to obtain measurement results that can be compared with those obtained by other laboratories participating in ALPS related Interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs).

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Perform laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and accurate data to support analytical workplans.
• Develop and/or optimise methods for radiochemical analyses of fission and activation products ALPS treated water samples and marine environmental matrices in close cooperation with RML staff.
• Implement validation and quality control procedures for newly developed techniques in line with the requirements of international standards.
• Undertake sample receipt, registration and handling following defined procedures.
• Ensure the safe screening of samples for the prioritisation of workflow based on levels of radioactivity.
• Undertake day-to-day maintenance of the Quality Management System at the laboratory level in close cooperation with the RML Quality Manager

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Quality Management

• Environmental  Monitoring and Assessment an asset

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in Radiochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science or related field.

• Five years relevant experience in radiochemistry and radiation measurement including the development and/or validation of analytical methods.
• Good project management and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of environmental radioactivity and radiation protection, and expertise in a range of techniques for analysing radioactivity in environmental samples, preferably in an accredited setting. 
• Experience in programming languages, data science applications and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) also desirable.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 350, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.