Unit Head (Atomic and Molecular Data Unit) – Vienna (1 Position)
JOB DETAIL
Organizational Setting
The Nuclear Data Section (NDS) is primarily responsible for the generation and maintenance of a number of high-quality and fundamental nuclear and atomic databases and providing services to users worldwide. The main means of dissemination is via the NDS website, which provides interactive tools to download and present the required data.
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.
Additionally, the nuclear science activities carried out by the Nuclear Data Section and Physics Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications fall under nuclear energy programme.
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.
Main Purpose
The Atomic and Molecular Data Unit Head leads a team of one other physicist and two IT professionals to implement the Agency’s programme on fundamental data for atomic, molecular and plasma-material interaction (A M PMI) processes in fusion energy devices and for other plasma applications; they also support broader nuclear data section activities in scientific data management, training and development and reports to the Section Head.
Role
The Unit Head is: 1) an adviser planning and developing the Agency’s programme on the provision of A M PMI databases to support fusion energy research worldwide; (2) a scientific secretary planning and managing Technical Meetings, Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs), and activities related to the development, evaluation and dissemination of A M PMI data; and (3) a technical expert to facilitate, coordinate and communicate new research in the field of A M PMI data for fusion energy and other plasma applications.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Oversee and manage the staff and activities of the Atomic and Molecular Data Unit, and support the Section Head in planning and monitoring the programme and budget for the respective project.
- Provide technical and scientific advice regarding the planning and implementation of the IAEA’s programme in the area of A M PMI data for fusion energy research and other plasma applications.
- Act as a Project Officer in planning, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on Coordinated Research Projects, each involving up to 20 Member State institutions over five years. The Unit Head is responsible for setting the scope of CRPs, selecting and assessing participants, producing reports and research articles reviewing their progress, and for communicating outputs and benefits to Member States.
- Organize and act as a Scientific Secretary for Technical Meetings on A M PMI data for fusion energy research, setting the scope and participation of such meetings, ensuring their effective implementation and reporting on their findings and recommendations.
- Planning, organizing and participating in workshops and training courses on technical topics in scientific data management and evaluation.
- Provide expert scientific guidance and mentorship to the work of staff, consultants and interns.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Communication | Encourages open communication and builds consensus. Uses tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive information, and keeps staff informed of decisions and directives as appropriate. |
| Achieving Results | Sets realistic targets for himself/herself and for the team; ensures availability of resources and supports staff members in achieving results. Monitors progress and performance; evaluates achievements and integrates lessons learned. |
| Teamwork | Encourages teamwork, builds effective teams and resolves problems by creating a supportive and collaborative team spirit, remaining mindful of the need to collaborate with people outside the immediate area of responsibility. |
| Planning and Organizing | Sets clearly defined objectives for himself/herself and the team or Section. Identifies and organizes deployment of resources based on assessed needs, taking into account possible changing circumstances. Monitors team’s performance in meeting the assigned deadlines and milestones. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Commitment to continuous process improvement | Assesses the effectiveness of functions and systems as well as current practices; streamlines standards and processes and develops innovative approaches to programme development and implementation. |
| Partnership building | Identifies interests and goals common to the Agency’s partners and its stakeholders to foster partnership building. Promotes collaboration with partners, colleagues across teams and stakeholders. |
| Technical/scientific credibility | Provides guidance and advice in his/her area of expertise on the application of scientific/professional methods, procedures and approaches. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Atomic Physics | Extensive knowledge of atomic and molecular physics including recent developments in experimental and theoretical techniques related to the creation and evaluation of relevant data. |
| Information Technology | Database Management | Expertise in the development, evaluation or dissemination of A M PMI data. |
| Physics | Plasma Physics | Extensive knowledge of modern plasma physics and spectroscopy applications for fusion energy research. |
Asset Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Other Technical Engineering | Materials Engineering | Knowledge of relevant materials science issues and theoretical and experimental methodologies in fusion energy research. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- Master’s Degree – Advanced degree in Physical Science or Engineering. A PhD in atomic or molecular physics, engineering or a related field, is a strong asset.
- Other – PhD in atomic or molecular physics, or a related field is a strong asset.
- Bachelor’s Degree – University degree in Physical Science or Engineering with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.
- Minimum seven years of research experience at an internationally recognized level in a relevant field: fusion energy research, plasma physics, plasma-material interaction or atomic and molecular physics for fusion applications.
- A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience with leading and managing a technical team of scientists and developers, particularly with respect to the development of scientific databases and related software.
- Broad experience in modern numerical database development and maintenance.
- Experience in data schema development, data management and database deployment and maintenance is desirable.
- Experience of working in a national or international fusion energy research organization is desirable.
- Familiarity with the IAEA coordinated research project programme and Technical Meetings.
- Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. 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 $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 46241*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions
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. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly 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.
- 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.
- Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
- 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.
