Mass Spectrometry Specialist (P3)

Organization: SGAS-Mass Spectrometry Team

Primary Location: Austria-Lower Austria-Seibersdorf-IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf

Duration: 36 months

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Regular

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA's duties and responsibilities as the world's nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS includes the Nuclear Material Laboratory, the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Team Leader, the Mass Spectrometry Specialist implements operational aspects of the Mass Spectrometry Team for the analysis of actinides by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The specialist takes responsibility for sample throughput and timeliness and contributes to quality management through process improvements, method development and maintaining instruments at a high level of performance and reliability.

Role

The Mass Spectrometry Specialist is an expert in the analysis of actinides, performing isotopic measurements using TIMS and ICPMS, contributing to diagnosis of complex technical issues, development and maintenance of software tools for data processing, tuning and alignment of instruments, and compliance with IAEA regulations and laboratory best practices.

The role may involve work in areas exposed to radioactive materials. As an Occupationally Exposed Worker, the incumbent must be medically cleared and is subject to radiation and health monitoring.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Participate in the preparation and analysis of actinides (U, Pu, Th, Am) in safeguards samples using TIMS and ICPMS.
• Coordinate the workflow of inspection samples and quality control samples to ensure analytical results meet timeliness and quality requirements.
• Ensure the quality of analytical results by developing and following analytical procedures and QC charts while seeking continual improvement.
• Ensure analytical and ancillary equipment are maintained at the highest level and provide fit-for-purpose analytical results.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance and operation to meet required quality standards.
• Keep abreast of developments in mass spectrometry for high-accuracy actinide analyses and contribute to new techniques and improved methodologies.

Required Expertise

• Analytical Chemistry: sound knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry for material assay.
• Mass Spectrometric Isotope Ratio Measurements: in-depth knowledge of techniques to accurately and precisely measure isotope ratios.
• Mass Spectrometry: expertise in analytical method development, troubleshooting and maintenance of TIMS and/or ICPMS.
• Metrology: expertise in data evaluation, quality control and uncertainty estimation.

Qualifications, Experience and Language Skills

• University degree in physical science, analytical chemistry, geochemistry or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience working with Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 quality management systems is an asset.
• Experience with analysis of actinides in a radiologically controlled laboratory environment is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $71335, a variable post adjustment currently amounting to US $38664, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses, six weeks annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance.