Back Fusion Science Technical Lead(P4)

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

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 Physics Section is responsible for planning and implementing activities in the areas of (i) effective utilization of research reactors, (ii) fostering relevant research and development and applications using particle accelerators and related instrumentation, and (iii) plasma physics and fusion, in order to enable Member States to avail themselves of the benefits of nuclear sciences and technologies. It operates the Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory, located at the Agency's Laboratories in Seibersdorf, which assists laboratories in Member States to improve the effective utilization of nuclear spectrometry and related instrumentation by providing technical advice, training, calibration services, assistance with the modification and development of nuclear instruments and with new applications of nuclear spectrometry techniques in various fields, including energy related applications, environmental monitoring, industry, and the study of cultural heritage objects.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Physics Section Head, the Fusion Science Technical Lead will coordinate and implement activities related to fusion science and plasma physics. The Fusion Science Technical Lead engages with national and international fusion initiatives, fostering global collaboration, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting Member States in advancing fusion research and development. The incumbent will contribute to shaping the IAEA’s fusion science programme.

Role

The Fusion Science Technical Lead has several roles: (1) a technical expert who guides, coordinates, and delivers fusion science and plasma physics-related activities, while also overseeing complex projects involving experts from Member States, research institutions, and inter-agency collaborative initiatives; (2) a recognized fusion expert, providing technical expertise and guidance to Member States to support fusion research and development; (3) a scientific secretary for international fusion-related meetings, responsible for the preparation and editing of scientific and technical reports, manuals, proceedings, and other key publications.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provide technical expertise and assist the work of the fusion team, ensuring the effective coordination and execution of IAEA’s fusion science and plasma physics-related activities.

Plan, coordinate, and monitor the implementation of research projects, research coordination meetings (RCMs), technical meetings (TMs), and consultancy meetings, as required, in fusion research and development.

Serve as co-scientific secretary for the biennial IAEA Fusion Energy Conference (FEC) and other cross-cutting events. Support the Section’s efforts to streamline technical functions and fusion-related activities across IAEA departments, ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach to the growing number of fusion activities.

Compile, coordinate, and oversee the preparation of proceedings, technical reports, and publications, ensuring scientific rigor, quality, and timely dissemination of fusion-related knowledge. Manage and continuously enhance the IAEA Fusion Portal, the Fusion Device Information System (FusDIS), and other relevant fusion databases.

Ensure capacity building activities in fusion science and plasma physics, primarily through CRPs, TMs, training courses, and workshops, while supporting Member States’ fusion research and development efforts based on their specific needs and priorities.

Evaluate and provide recommendations on research proposals, contract awards, and technical cooperation projects, ensuring alignment with global fusion research and development priorities and Member States’ needs. Provide technical advice and guidance for technical cooperation projects related to plasma physics, fusion science, and fusion research programs, strengthening Member States’ fusion capabilities.

Ensure the IAEA’s continued recognition in the fusion scientific and technical community by representing the Agency at national and international meetings. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with scientists, research centres, international organizations, committees, and fusion-related scientific societies.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework) Name Definition &nbsp Communication Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. &nbsp Achieving Results Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. &nbsp Teamwork Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions. &nbsp Planning and Organizing Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.

Functional Competencies Name Definition &nbsp Commitment to continuous process improvement Plans and executes activities in the context of quality and risk management and identifies opportunities for process, system and structural improvement, as well as improving current practices. Analyses processes and procedures, and proposes improvements. &nbsp Partnership building Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals. &nbsp Technical/scientific credibility Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Asset Expertise Function Name Expertise Description &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Nuclear Science Nuclear Sciences and Applications In-depth knowledge of global fusion research and development priorities and Member States’ needs, including experiments and theory for magnetic, inertial, and innovative fusion plasma confinement concepts. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Physics Plasma Physics Experience in measurements and experiments carried out at plasma physics and fusion research laboratories. Knowledge of plasma science and its applications, including in non-energy sector. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Management and Programme Analysis Programme Management Experience in programme development and management.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Doctorate Degree - Nuclear Fusion, Plasma Physics or related field

Minimum of seven years’ experience working in nuclear fusion, with a focus on fusion science and plasma physics. This experience should be gained from working in an international and national environment.
Experience in working with national and international organizations or institutes is desirable.
Proven experience in fusion research in the following roles: project manager, researcher and program developer.
Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of global advancements in the field.
Proven track record in managing technical and scientific projects, strong leadership and organizational skills.
Previous participation in IAEA CRPs, technical meetings, technical guidance documents development is desirable.
Management of research projects design, implementation and evaluation.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $84672 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 46146*, 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.