Research Scientist (Marine Organic Contaminants)

Organizational Context

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, focusing on "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection." This programme supports various sectors including food, agriculture, human health, water resources, and environmental technologies through its laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco, and Vienna. The Division of IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco specifically aids Member States in utilizing nuclear and isotopic techniques to understand marine and atmospheric processes and address environmental issues related to pollutants and climate change.

Job Purpose

The Research Scientist (Marine Organic Contaminants) provides crucial scientific and technical guidance to the Organic Analytical Chemistry Laboratory within the Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory (MESL). This role is central to developing, implementing, and enhancing analytical capabilities for detecting organic contaminants and compound-specific stable isotopes in marine environmental samples. By leading method development, coordinating analytical activities, ensuring quality assurance, and facilitating capacity-building, the scientist supports IAEA programmes. The position delivers high-quality analytical tools and data essential for studies on marine pollution, climate change impacts, seafood safety, and ecosystem health, thereby strengthening global analytical comparability and expertise in this field.

Responsibilities

The Research Scientist will coordinate and execute activities within the Organic Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of outputs aligned with IAEA priorities for organic contaminants and stable isotope analysis. This includes leading the development, validation, and application of advanced analytical methodologies for marine matrices, ensuring scientific robustness and responsiveness to emerging contaminants. The role involves providing technical training and scientific guidance to staff and Member State scientists on techniques like GC-MS, LC-MS, and GC-IRMS. The incumbent will oversee and perform analyses on marine samples, organize training courses on organic contaminant determination, and implement international intercomparison exercises and proficiency tests. Additionally, the scientist will coordinate the production of marine reference materials and maintain laboratory quality management systems.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required, specifically in using analytical techniques for the determination of organic contaminants in marine samples, including routine instrument operation and maintenance. Experience in data quality management, interlaboratory studies, proficiency tests, and the production of reference materials is desirable.

Skills

Expertise in analytical chemistry, particularly in techniques for determining organic contaminants in marine samples and seafood. Proficiency in method development, laboratory quality assurance/quality control, and understanding of marine environmental processes. Experience with GC-MS, LC-MS, and GC-IRMS techniques is essential. Skills in communication, achieving results, teamwork, planning, organizing, judgment, decision-making, partnership building, and technical/scientific credibility are also required.

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