Laboratory Technician, Seibersdorf, Austria

Τρίτη, Νοεμβρίου 29, 2011

Αναζήτηση Θέματος

Position and Grade: Laboratory Technician (G-5)

Organizational Unit: Food and Environmental Protection Laboratory

Food and Environmental Protection Section

Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture

Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

Duty Station: Seibersdorf, Austria

Application Deadline: 14 December 2011

Type of Appointment: Fixed term extrabudgetary (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

CCOG codes: 2.J.02

Laboratory Technician, Austria

The Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is established between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is housed in the Department of Nuclear Science s and Applications at the IAEA in Vienna. The Joint Division assists Member States of FAO and IAEA in the use of nuclear techniques and related technologies to enhance and improve food security, alleviate poverty and to promote sustainable agriculture. It does so by coordinating and supporting research, providing technical and advisory services, laboratory support and training, and collecting, analysing and disseminating information.

The Laboratory Technician reports to the Head of the Food and Environmental Protection Laboratory and works in a team environment with other professionals and technical staff in the subprogramme, including the Food and Environmental Protection Section. Duties are undertaken in the Food and Environmental Protection Laboratory, which is located in Seibersdorf, Austria approximately 45 km south of Vienna.

The incumbent receives instructions from the Laboratory Head or Professional staff. Contacts are made with scientists, technicians and trainees to discuss procedures and operations within the laboratory. The laboratory staff works in flexible teams and the successful applicant will be required to work with colleagues of many nationalities, and in collaboration with other IAEA laboratories and Units.

Prepare, extract and clean-up food samples for analysis and perform stable isotope measurements and methods for the detection of contaminants using isotopic analysers, gas chromatography- and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), as well as statistical techniques within the framework of a quality assurances programme.
Assist in the development, optimization and validation of analytical methods for food traceability and authenticity and contaminant control.
Operate and perform routine maintenance of advanced analytical equipment such as isotopic water analysers, GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-QTOF MS.
Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the procedures performed.
Demonstrate laboratory procedures and supervise the daily training of fellows and other trainees in the laboratory.
Apply 14C radiotracer techniques including liquid scintillation counting and autoradiography.
Backup and archive data of the Unit.
Practical knowledge of analytical techniques in food analysis, including sample preparation and instrumental techniques.
Ability to carry out assigned tasks to a high quality and in a timely manner under a minimum of supervision.
Ability to work under and assist in maintaining a laboratory quality assurance system.
Proven ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Office 2010 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), which is the IAEA standard.
Completed secondary education. Further education or certified training in the field of food analysis desirable.
Minimum of seven years of relevant working experience in the laboratory environment.
Laboratory experience in food contaminant analysis using instrumental techniques, or in stable- and/or radio-isotope analysis of food.
Experience in operating and maintaining analytical equipment and instrumentation (HPLC, GC, MS).
English language test (level 2) to IAEA standard.
Language skills: Good working knowledge of written and spoken English. Knowledge of German desirable. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an advantage.