Safeguards Inspector (Radioanalyst)
Organizational Context
The Department of Safeguards functions as the IAEA's global nuclear inspectorate, dedicated to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It develops and implements safeguards to ensure nuclear material is not diverted for peaceful purposes and that no undeclared nuclear activities exist within a state. This role is situated within the On-Site Laboratory team at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.
Job Purpose
The Safeguards Inspector (Radioanalyst) plays a crucial role in the analytical operations of the On-Site Laboratory (OSL) at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan. The primary responsibility is to conduct treatments and measurements on nuclear samples to support IAEA safeguards verification activities. This involves performing analytical evaluations, implementing quality assurance and quality control measures, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results. The position contributes directly to the global non-proliferation efforts by providing essential analytical data for verifying the peaceful use of nuclear materials and activities.
Responsibilities
The role involves performing radiochemical work on nuclear material samples, including dissolution, chemical separation (e.g., uranium/plutonium), and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Responsibilities include operating various analytical instruments such as spectrometers and mass spectrometers, and processing samples within hot cells using manipulators. The inspector will analyze and evaluate data, report findings, and manage on-site analytical activities with weekly reporting. Key duties also encompass data verification, validation, uncertainty assessment, and ensuring adherence to authentication measures. Implementing nuclear material accountancy and QA procedures, identifying deviations, and performing corrective actions are essential. Routine maintenance, calibration of analytical equipment, and participation in quality control measures are also required. Additionally, the inspector will prepare and conduct safeguards inspections at nuclear facilities, collect information for verification, and may work with radioactive materials under strict safety protocols.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in a relevant analytical field is required, preferably in laboratory operations or analytical method development. Practical experience with highly radioactive samples using hot cell manipulators is a significant asset, as is knowledge of K-edge absorption principles, X-ray physics, and mass spectrometry techniques.
Skills
Communication, Achieving Results, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Commitment to continuous process improvement, Partnership building, Technical/scientific credibility, Safeguards Containment and Surveillance, Safeguards Destructive Assay, Physics Mass Spectrometry, Safeguards Non-destructive Assay, Chemistry Radioanalytical Techniques, Physics Radiometry.