Isotope Analyst
As a member of a team reporting directly to the Isotope Hydrology Laboratory Head, the Isotope Analyst contributes to a results‑oriented programmatic response to Member States' priorities in the application of nuclear technologies to meet their development goals related to water resources.
Organizational Setting
The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies, supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences assists Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, with a focus on physical and chemical sciences, including isotope hydrology.
Main Purpose
The Isotope Analyst is a technical specialist, technical expert and programme developer, providing expertise in the development and application of nuclear techniques in hydrology, specifically focusing on low to ultra‑low level tritium in environmental samples.
Role
The responsibilities are grouped into three core areas:
* Technical Specialist: Develop isotope analytical methods, particularly membrane‑enrichment systems for low to ultra‑low level tritium in water and organic materials; ensure continuous operation of analysis workflows, maintain QA/QC standards and manage data reporting, storage and archiving.
* Technical Expert: Plan and conduct technical meetings and review missions, assist in evaluating Technical Cooperation (TC) projects, and promote, coordinate and evaluate moderately complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) in water resources management.
* Programme Developer: Assist in planning, developing and implementing the IAEA's programmes in water resources assessment, development and management using tritium and other radio‑isotope tracers.
Functions / Key Results Expected
* Develop isotope analytical methods, specifically including membrane‑enrichment systems for low to ultra‑low level tritium in water and organic materials.
* Ensure continuous operation of the tritium analysis workflows, maintain QA/QC standards, and manage data reporting, storage and archiving.
* Conduct synthesis, evaluation and analysis of tritium and other radio‑isotope distributions in precipitation, surface water and groundwater for understanding hydrological systems.
* Provide technical guidance and service to IAEA Member States in the design, appraisal and implementation of projects aimed at strengthening analytical capacity using nuclear techniques in freshwater systems.
* Assist in the planning and implementation of activities in the field of water resources management practices, conduct analytical studies, participate in task forces and provide technical input to policy and standard development of regional and international bodies.
* Evaluate technical cooperation projects, develop action plans and plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops, expert missions and training courses.
* Plan, manage and implement CRPs and technical meetings aimed at developing or adapting new applications of isotopes in hydrology.
* Contribute to administrative reports and documents to be provided to senior management and governing bodies.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies
* Planning and Organizing: Plans and organizes own work to achieve team or section priorities.
* Communication: Communicates orally and in writing clearly, concisely and impartially.
* Achieving Results: Initiates realistic outputs and clarifies roles and responsibilities.
* Teamwork: Actively contributes to team results and supports team decisions.
Functional Competencies
* Analytical Thinking: Analyzes information to identify cause and effect relationships and correlations.
* Judgement/Decision Making: Consults with supervisor and takes decisions in compliance with Agency regulations.
* Knowledge Sharing and Learning: Seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge across contexts.
Required Expertise
* Hydrology – Isotope Hydrology: Experience in laboratory methods for tritium analysis; solid knowledge in groundwater and surface water characterization using isotopes.
* Physics – Radiotracers: Knowledge and experience in the development of analytical methods for low to ultra‑low level radio‑isotope tracers in environmental samples.
Qualifications, Experience And Language Skills
* Doctorate in Geochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Physics or related disciplines, with academic, research or work experience in the Geosciences.
* Minimum five years of practical experience in isotope analyses and their use for water resources assessment and management.
* Substantial experience in conceiving, formulating and successfully implementing field or laboratory research projects, including proficiency in geospatial and hydrological models.
* Broad experience and knowledge of natural resource management principles, particularly water resource management. Experience in tritium analysis highly desirable.
* Strong technical background and practical experience in nuclear techniques in water resources management.
* Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research with field and/or laboratory studies.
* Proven ability to analyse technical and scientific information.
* Excellent writing skills demonstrated through a record of scientific publications.
* Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax‑free annual net base salary starting at US $70,212, a variable post adjustment of US $38,266, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant and relocation and repatriation expenses. Other benefits include six weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information can be found at IAEA Conditions of Employment.
General Information
* IAEA's paramount consideration in recruiting staff is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
* Staff members are selected without any unfair treatment based on a race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious or ethnic origin, disability or other characteristic.
* IAEA is committed to gender equality and promotes a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
* IAEA staff are international civil servants; they may not accept instructions from any other authority. The Agency applies the highest ethical standards and adheres to UN core values of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.
* IAEA has a zero‑tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with UN and IAEA aims, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Evaluation Process
* Applicants must submit complete and accurate information. Qualified candidates may undergo an assessment exercise and a competency‑based interview.
* Candidates under serious consideration may be subject to reference and background checks.
Appointment Information
* Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
* Staff members may be assigned to any location.
* Posts in Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy; maximum tour of service normally seven years.
* IAEA reserves discretion not to make an appointment, to appoint at a lower grade, with a different contract type, or to modify the job description or duration.
Organization
NAPC‑Isotope Hydrology Section
Primary Location
Austria – Vienna – IAEA Headquarters
Job Posting
2025‑12‑09, 2:38:30 PM
Closing Date
2026‑01‑11, 11:59:00 PM
Duration in Months
36
Contract Type
Fixed Term – Regular
Probation Period
1 Year
Full Competitive Recruitment
Yes
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