Laboratory Technician (Aquarium Biology)(G4)

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 Radioecology Laboratory's mission is to improve knowledge about the behaviour and fate of radionuclides and other contaminants in the environment, with a particular emphasis on the biosphere. It aims to assist and enhance Member States' capabilities in the field of radioecology and its applications to ecotoxicology and biogeochemistry.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Laboratory Head and with direction from Professional staff, the Laboratory Technician (Aquarium Biology) maintains live marine organisms and experimental aquaria for radioecological research. He/she also assists in all aspects of the laboratory experiments, including analyses of live organisms using gamma spectrometry and preparation of research aquaria. He/she is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of all laboratory equipment and instruments, as well as the specialized seawater follow-through system. The laboratory technician (Aquarium Biologist) also assists in the training and development of fellows and interns on the application of marine radiotracer techniques.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Participate in conducting radioecology experiments by preparing experimental aquaria, maintaining healthy stocks of select marine organisms, such as phytoplankton, fish and mussels, preparing radiolabelled matrices, analysing live organisms, and archiving data;
• Perform regular analysis of diverse marine biological samples as requested, within the regular and extra budgetary programme work of REL and within established standards and procedures;
  Participate in sampling missions to collect coastal and marine samples for projects in radioecology;
• Maintain laboratory facilities according to existing protocols and standards (inventories of radioactive sources and waste disposal, experimental records, safety records);
• Provide technical assistance in the training of fellows and other trainees on the application of marine radiotracer techniques.
  

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

• Completed secondary education. Post-secondary studies with relevance to the tasks above an asset.
• Minimum of four years of relevant working experience in bioscience, such as radioecology, aquariology, oceanography, aquatic research or working knowledge in ecotoxicology is an asset.
• Specialized training in an environment-related discipline (biochemistry, biology, chemistry, oceanography, etc.) an asset.
• Working knowledge in aquatic animal husbandry, life support systems and maintenance of diverse marine organisms for research is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
•  English language test (Level 2) to IAEA standard.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 33355 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report. Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only. Outside applicants are required to supply to the IAEA or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the IAEA. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.
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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.
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