Laboratory Technician (Marine Microplastic Analysis)(G4)

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

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 Division of IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories consists of three laboratories, which are located in Monaco. The Division supports Member States in enhancing their capacity to use nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine and atmospheric environmental processes and dynamics, and to identify and address environmental problems caused by radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants and climate change.

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

The main purpose of this position will be to support research using nuclear and isotopic techniques to address the marine plastic pollution, based at IAEA’s Nuclear Applications Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco. In addition, the technician will assist the team in managing all activities related to the laboratories’ work on marine plastic pollution (including workshops, trainings, outreach, partnerships) in the context of the IAEA’s NUTEC initiative and within the framework of the IAEA’s Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) Project on marine plastics.
As a member of the marine plastics group within the Radioecology Laboratory (REL), the Laboratory Technician will be based at the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco and will process environmental samples on the equipment (microRaman, ATR-FTIR, microFTIR and LDIR) dedicated to the analyses and characterisation of microplastics in seawater, sediment and biota. He/She will be also supporting the team in the preparation of samples prior to analyses, assisting in the development of harmonization methods for extraction of microplastics from different matrices and provide support to field sampling missions.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the supervision of senior staff, participate in sampling missions (land-based, ship-based), collect coastal and marine samples, prepare samples in the laboratory for measurement (extraction, enrichment, etc) and analyse and process the collected samples for microplastic pollution.
Under the supervision of senior staff, participate in conducting laboratory experiments on the analyses and characterisation of microplastics in seawater, sediment and biota using radiotracer methods.
Run analytical equipment dedicated to measurement and characterisation of marine microplastic pollution in marine environmental samples, (i.e. microRaman, ATR-FTIR, microFTIR and LDIR) and process analytical data using instrument-specific software and excel-based calculations.
Maintain laboratory, laboratory and sampling equipment and infrastructure according to existing protocols and standards (experimental records, safety records).
Under the supervision of senior staff, ensure the production of accurate and reproducible results following the Quality Assurance procedure in place for microplastic analyses.
Provide technical assistance in the training of fellows and other trainees on sampling, sample preparation and analysis of environmental samples for micro and nano plastic pollution and the harmonisation of methods.

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(Competency Framework)

Name	Definition
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.
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.

Functional Competencies

Name	Definition
Analytical thinking	Gathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions.
Client orientation	Establishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction.
Knowledge sharing and learning	Actively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice.

Required Expertise

Function	Name	Expertise Description
Chemistry	Analytical Techniques	Experience in analytical chemistry, particularly in Raman spectroscopy and/or Infrared spectroscopy.
Environment	Environmental  Monitoring and Assessment	Experience in marine environment monitoring.
Administrative Support	MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)	Proficiency in MS Office and the ability to use databases.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• High School Diploma – Completed secondary education. University degree in chemistry, marine chemistry, and/or lab technician would be an asset.
• Minimum of four years of relevant working experience.
• Expertise on running specific equipment related to plastic pollution (such as Raman spectroscopy and/or Infrared spectroscopy).
• Proven capacity to follow standard operational procedure in analytical protocols.
• Familiar with laboratory best practices.
• Ability to generate simple data report.
• Practical experience on monitoring marine environment.
• Knowledge in data-processing software (i.e., Excel, statistical software)
• Experience of providing practical training of scientists would be an asset (transfer of knowledge).
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of French is an asset. Knowledge of other IAEA official languages (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 39105 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks’ annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/general-service-staff

General Information

• The IAEA’s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
• The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce.
• Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only. Non-local candidates will be considered only when no suitable candidate from the duty station is identified and will be subject to local recruitment. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. TESTING may be part of the process.
• 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
• The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

• The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
• 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.