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Mass Spectrometry Specialist (Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry)(P3)

Vienna

  • Organization: IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
  • Location: Vienna
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Security policy
    • Maritime
    • Technology, Electronics and Mechanics
    • Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Nuclear Technology
    • Internal audit and inspection
    • Energy sector
    • Mass Spectrometry Team
  • Closing Date: Closed

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for over 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The main objective of the Department is to maintain and further develop an effective and efficient verification system in order to draw independent, impartial and timely safeguards conclusions, thus providing credible assurances to the international community that States are in compliance with their safeguards obligations. Safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically complex environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political and cultural diversity of the countries.

The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions\: three Operations Divisions for the implementation of verification activities around the world; three Technical Divisions (Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services); and three Offices (the Office for Verification in Iran, the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services).

The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental swipe samples, as well as the coordination of logistics and the Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL). Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, the Office is organized into three sections\: the Nuclear Material Laboratory, including the On-Site Laboratory (OSL) in Japan, the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section.

The Environmental Sample Laboratory is responsible for the receipt, screening, analysis and distribution of environmental samples submitted by IAEA safeguards inspectors.

 

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Mass Spectrometry Team Leader, the Mass Spectrometry Specialist (Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry - TIMS) plays a major role in the measurement and analysis of safeguards inspection samples in the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML) to support the Department’s verification and monitoring activities. The incumbent performs the analysis of actinides by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and takes responsibility for sample throughput, timeliness, and quality control.

 

Role

 

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist (TIMS) is (1) an expert in thermal ionization mass spectrometry analysis of actinides; (2) a technical specialist, coordinating and performing inspection sample analysis, maintaining high sample throughput, achieving timeliness goals and promoting the continual improvement of quality within the laboratory; (3) a troubleshooter of complex technical issues (both instrumental and experimental), improving analytical processes, and implementing new procedures for the analysis of safeguards samples, and (4) a team player working closely with the other members of the Mass Spectrometry Team, as well as with the chemists and radiometrists within the NML.

 

Functions / Key Results Expected

 

  • Provides technical expertise to support the TIMS analysis of samples containing uranium, plutonium, thorium and americium).
  • Coordinates the workflow of field samples and quality control (QC) samples to ensure that analytical results meet pre-established timeliness goals and quality requirements.
  • Coordinates preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment with the instrument manufacturers, electronics specialists and service engineers.
  • Ensures that analytical and laboratory processes are compliant with the SGAS Quality Management System (ISO 9001\:2015).
  • Participates in team efforts to improve the mass spectrometry techniques for the analysis of safeguards-relevant samples, and contributes to the implementation of new techniques developed by Member States.
  • Identifies and communicates to management the need for upgrading or replacing analytical equipment, prepares technical specifications and performs technical evaluations for new equipment.
  • Maintains current knowledge in the field of mass spectrometry pertaining to high-accuracy actinide analyses by cooperating and communicating with colleagues, members of the NWAL, instrument vendors and the scientific community.

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

Name Definition
 
Planning and Organizing Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.
 
Communication Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.
 
Achieving Results Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.
 
Teamwork Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

Name Definition
 
Commitment to continuous process improvement Plans and executes activities in the context of quality and risk management and identifies opportunities for process, system and structural improvement, as well as improving current practices. Analyses processes and procedures, and proposes improvements.
 
Partnership building Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals.
 
Technical/scientific credibility Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Required Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description
     
Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Sound knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry for material assay.
     
Physics Mass Spectrometric Isotope Ratio Measurements Practical experience in the measurement of isotope ratios by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS).
     
Safeguards Quality Management of Analytical Measurement Knowledge of quality management systems applicable to analytical measurements.

Asset Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description
     
Chemistry Radiochemistry Experience working with nuclear materials.

 

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

 

Bachelor's Degree - University degree in Physical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry or related field.

Minimum of five years practical experience in high-accuracy isotope analysis with mass spectrometric methods, or at least two years of experience in mass spectrometric isotope analysis combined with at least five years of working in a radiochemical laboratory.
Demonstrated knowledge of thermal ionization mass spectrometry or multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is an asset.
Practical experience in working with radioactive materials is an advantage.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

 

Remuneration

 

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $62120 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 29321, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

 

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Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process
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This vacancy is now closed.
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