Senior Analytical Chemist (P-4)

Position Remarks

This fixed-term appointment is for duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules, as applicable. 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 not to 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.

Principal Functions

This Vacancy Notice seeks to recruit two Senior Analytical Chemists. Under the supervision and guidance of the Head, Laboratory and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, each incumbent will have one of the following primary responsibilities, and one or more in a back-up capacity.

Senior Analytical Chemist (Position A):
· Conducting the biomedical inter-laboratory proficiency testing programme:
o Assist the Head of the Laboratory with planning and organising tests
o Advise Preparing laboratory on sample preparation and shipping
o Supervise and perform independent analyses of test samples
o Supervise and write the OPCW Laboratory report from analysis of the samples
o Evaluation of the participants reports of the test, provide evaluation report
o Advise Evaluating laboratory on performing analyses and checking of their draft evaluation report
o Act as key member in a meeting to discuss evaluation results with evaluating laboratory
o Checking of evaluation report
o Assist drafting of preliminary evaluation report
o Assist with the meeting to discuss results of proficiency test
o Assist with finalisation of test results
o Maintain and update the QDOCs related to this activity
o Take the lead with respect to audits by OIO and/or RvA for proficiency testing

Senior Analytical Chemist (Position B):
Biochemist or Bioanalytical Chemist or Toxicologist
· Research, develop and implement methods for
o Protein/DNA adducts of chemical weapons agents
o Toxin analysis (e.g. Ricin) Synthesis of peptides and peptides adducted by chemical warfare agents and other CW related metabolites
o Other compounds as determined by the Head of the Laboratory
o Search and characterization of new biomarkers of exposure to chemical warfare agents by different mass spectrometric or biochemical methods
o In vitro methods for the determination of toxic effects of chemicals relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention
· Assist with the training programme for internal and external participants in the analysis of biomedical samples and toxins
· Assist with the conduct of the biomedical proficiency testing programme
· Oversee the maintenance and use of the LC/MS systems
· Perform LC/MS analysis in support of both the environmental and biomedical proficiency testing programmes

Both posts share the following responsibilities:
o Provide training and certification exercises for AC inspectors or other trainees on performing analyses using GC/MS systems and sample collection and preparation kits
o Develop and provide training for both internal and external participants on 1) performing analyses using analytical equipment such as GC/MS, LC/MS and NMR, 2) methods/techniques supporting the proficiency testing programme, 3) safe handling of chemical agents, 4) synthesis of chemical agents, 5) other training courses as determined by the Head of the Laboratory
o Maintain OPCW Laboratory accreditation and support the QMS
o Ensure safe and efficient operation of the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk Facility including procurement and maintenance of laboratory equipment in a timely and efficient manner
o Provide technical advice, training and support on inspection analytical equipment-related issues and verification-related analytical issues
o Perform other duties as required

Knowledge and Skills

Education (Qualifications):
Essential: An advanced degree in Chemistry or equivalent from a recognized institution. A first-level university degree in combination with extensive relevant laboratory experience (=> 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

Skills and Abilities (key 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;
· (Position A): Practical knowledge of GC/MS systems and GC/MS processing software such as Agilent Chemstation and MS library managing software such as NIST MS Search/AMDIS;
· (Position B): 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 the 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.

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 (within the last 3 years) and practical experience as operator of GC/MS and/or LC/MS and/or NMR instrumentation;
· (Position A): Several years of recent and practical experience in the analysis of chemical weapons related samples; including sample collection and sample preparation procedures;
· (Position B): Several years of recent and practical experience in the analysis of DNA and/or proteins and/or peptides

Desirable: (Position A): Experience in the analysis of biomedical samples will be an asset. (Both positions): Skills in the small scale synthesis of CWC related chemicals for analysis are highly desirable. Experience developing & teaching training courses will be an asset.

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.

Salary Remarks

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and provident fund deductions) in US$ and a post adjustment. The post adjustment (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. The figure quoted on the right, is based on the January 2018 rate of 40.4%.