Analytical Chemist

The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres near Paris, France, is an intergovernmental organization with the role to provide the basis for world-wide uniformity of measurements through the International System of Units (SI). It has an international staff of about 74 and its annual budget is about 13 million euros. Further information about the BIPM can be found on the website: www.bipm.org.

The Chemistry Department of the BIPM operates laboratories organizing international comparisons of peptide and small organic primary reference materials and calibrators, as well as running capacity building and knowledge transfer laboratory programmes, and seeks an analytical chemist to join its team.

The BIPM is seeking to hire an Analytical Chemist for an advanced technician post:


Main duties and responsibilities

• sample analysis using HPLC-UV, HPLC-CAD, HPLC-MS and ion chromatography;
• operation and maintenance of peptide hydrolysis facilities;
• preparation of samples of defined mass fraction content using gravimetric procedures;
• to follow and implement quality control programmes for equipment maintenance;
• to order laboratory consumables;
• to maintain a clean working environment and ensure appropriate handling and disposal of chemicals
• to provide support for colleagues in research and development activities.

Required competences

• technical training in organic analytical chemistry with experience in the independent operation of liquid chromatographic systems employing various detection methods;
• familiarity with techniques for amino acid analysis;
• attention to detail and an ability to work methodically and rigorously;
• capability to work proactively and autonomously;
• willingness to extend and develop technical competencies into new areas;
• maintaining good relations, to ensure efficient interaction with internal and external partners;
• capability of working in a team within a multicultural environment. 

Required profile

• at minimum a diploma at the level of DUT /BTS (2 years of professional education) or first degree in Chemistry/ Analytical Chemistry;
• at least five years’ experience in an analytical laboratory working with LC techniques (including UV and MS detectors) and organic analysis;
• previous experience in the operation of current generation hybrid LC-MS/MS (Q-trap, Sciex), LC-UV-CAD (Vanquish, Thermo), LC-DAD (1200 series, Agilent) and ion chromatography (IC930, Metrohm) instruments and associated data analysis software would be an advantage;
• proficient in written and spoken English, with knowledge of French being an advantage

Employment conditions

The BIPM offers a five-year fixed-term appointment, full-time basis, which could be transformed into a permanent post, under the conditions and restrictions described in the BIPM Staff Manual. The initial probationary period is three months, renewable once for a period of three months.

The annual basic salary will be between 39 460 € and 43 740 €, depending on experience, and will be supplemented by various allowances specific to individual circumstances and family situation, as described in the BIPM Staff Manual.

Salaries and allowances are exempt from national income tax in France. The BIPM offers a pension scheme and subscribes to private medical insurance for its staff and their families.


Applications

The BIPM encourages applications from people with relevant qualifications, without distinction of gender or nationality. Press apply and submit a full Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) and motivation letter in English before midnight on 16 November 2018 (Paris, local time).

Applications should include the names of two referees who could be asked to comment upon their suitability for the post (Referees will only be contacted with permission).

Short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview; they might also be requested to pass a practical test or to participate in an initial telephone interview. The selection committee reserves the right to contact only short-listed applicants.

The BIPM retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy; to make an appointment at a different grade in particular if the experience of the selected candidate differs from that requested; to make an appointment with a modified job description, or to offer a contract term for a different duration than indicated in this Vacancy Announcement.