Chemist (Radioisotope & Radiopharmaceutical) (P-4)

Position and Grade:	Chemist (Radioisotope & Radiopharmaceutical) (P-4)
Organizational Unit:	Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology Section Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	16 April 2014
Application Deadline:	27 May 2014
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term , 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

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 Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the Division provides support to Member States in the following fields: production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in health care and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry. The Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology Section is responsible for carrying out the IAEA's Radioisotope Production and Radiation Technology Programme and for assisting Member States in capacity building for development, production and quality assurance of reactor and cyclotron based medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, as well as the adoption and utilization of radiation technology using gamma radiation, electron beams and X-rays for advanced materials development, remediation of hazardous pollutants and industrial processes.

Main purpose

As a key team member reporting to the Section Head, the Radioisotope & Radiopharmaceutical Production Chemist provides technical advice and support, and plans and implements the programme activities relating to medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, their production, processing, and quality assurance and, in particular, diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.

Role

The Radioisotope & Radiopharmaceutical Production Chemist is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, contributing to the planning and development of the IAEA's programme in the specific area of development and production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals and, in particular, diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals; (2) a technical expert, planning and conducting basic technical meetings and basic technical review missions; (3) a technical and project officer, assisting in the evaluation and implementation of technical cooperation (TC) projects, and promoting, coordinating and evaluating complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the area of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.

Partnerships

The Radioisotope & Radiopharmaceutical Production Chemist engages scientific and technical counterparts in Member States to discuss CRPs and TC projects and assesses the requirements of Member States. He/she establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with Member State institutions, relevant sections in the WHO (World Health Organization) and technical/professional societies (e.g. EANM (European Association of Nuclear Medicine), SRS (Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences)), in order to increase awareness about the IAEA's programme.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Formulate, evaluate and implement projects in the field of radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical development and production aiming at upgrading capabilities and strengthening quality assurance practices in developing countries and helping improve the availability and quality of radioisotope products for medical applications. Organize and provide scientific supervision for technical and consultants' meetings aimed at supporting the exchange of information on radioisotope/radiopharmaceutical development, production and quality control, in particular for therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. Identify issues in the field which need to be addressed at the international level and also appropriate means of enabling broad international consensus. Implement necessary tasks such as work on CRPs, evaluating and monitoring individual research contracts, organizing meetings and preparing technical reports. Provide technical support to TC projects (national and regional) related to radioisotope production for medical applications and, in particular, therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceutical development, production, quality assurance, as well as evaluation of project proposals, progress reports, procurement, fellowships and expert missions. Coordinate the preparation and publication of relevant technical documents and training materials in the above areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proven expertise in development, production and quality control of radioisotopes/radiopharmaceuticals; skills and ability in planning, guiding, directing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating scientific development projects involving radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, especially those for diagnostic and therapeutic use, and their quality assurance systems. Knowledge and/or experience in the procedures and requirements for national licensing and registration of radiopharmaceuticals and related regulatory systems. Good familiarity with CRP and TC project processes in the IAEA. Good communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability in preparing technical reports. Interpersonal skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels, with representatives of Member States and with external counterparts; Demonstrated ability to interact effectively as part of an international team in order to achieve organizational goals in a collaborative way; Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Computer literacy with the ability to maintain databases.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree, preferably PhD, in radiochemistry, nuclear pharmacy or a related field. Strong background in Chemistry desired. A minimum of seven years of professional experience in radioisotope/radiopharmaceutical development, production and quality control, of which at least three years should have been at the international level. Proven experience in collaboration with medical and non-medical professionals in the field of radiopharmaceutical science. Sound record of publications in the field of radioisotope production and radiopharmaceutical science. Fluency in spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 611 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $46 043*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave,pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

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.