Organizational Setting
The Industrial Applications and Chemistry Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, is responsible for implementing activities within the IAEA's programme on radioisotope production and radiation technology. This includes the provision of advice, assistance and support for R&D on the development, production and quality assurance of reactor and accelerator (cyclotron) based radiopharmaceuticals in close collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine Section of the Division of Human Health.
The Radiopharmaceutical Scientist works in a team of 6 professional and 3 administrative staff and reports to the Head of the Industrial Applications and Chemistry Section. Duties are undertaken primarily at headquarters with some international travel.
Main purpose
As a key team member reporting to the Section Head, the Radiopharmaceutical Scientist provides technical advice and support, and plans and implements the programme activities relating to radiopharmaceutical processing, production and quality assurance and, in particular, PET (positron emission tomography) radiopharmaceuticals. Further, in collaboration with the Head of the Nuclear Medicine Section, the Radiopharmaceutical Scientist provides technical advice and support for activities relating to strengthening hospital radiopharmacy practices.
Role
The Radiopharmaceutical Scientist is a: (1) programme developer and implementer, assisting in planning and developing the IAEA's programme in a specific area of radiopharmaceutical development and production and, in particular, PET tracers and hospital radiopharmacy practices; (2) technical expert, planning and conducting basic technical meetings and basic technical review missions; (3) technical and project officer, assisting in the evaluation and implementation of technical cooperation (TC) projects, and promoting, coordinating and evaluating complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the two areas of radiopharmaceutical sciences cited earlier.
Partnerships
The Radiopharmaceutical Scientist engages scientific and technical counterparts in Member States to discuss CRPs and TC projects and assesses the requirements of Member States. He/she establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with Member State institutions, relevant sections in WHO (World Health Organization) and technical/professional societies, e.g. EANM (European Association of Nuclear Medicine), SRS (Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences), in order to increase awareness of the IAEA's programme.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Formulate, evaluate and implement projects in the field of PET radiopharmaceutical development and production aiming at upgrading capabilities and research in developing countries to help improve the availability and quality of radioisotope products for medical applications, as well as to provide effective technical advice and assistance to Member States in the area of hospital radiopharmacy.
Take technical responsibility for projects related to radiopharmaceutical development and production and, in particular, PET tracers; organize and provide scientific supervision for technical and consultants meetings aimed at supporting research and the exchange of information.
Identify issues in the relevant field which need to be addressed at the international level and the appropriate means to enable broad international consensus on the issue. Implement such necessary actions as CRPs, evaluate and monitor individual research contracts, organize meetings and prepare technical reports.
Provide technical support to TC projects (national and regional) related to PET radiopharmaceutical production, quality assurance and hospital radiopharmacy, including evaluation of project proposals, progress reports, procurement, fellowships and expert missions.
Coordinate the preparation and publication of relevant technical documents in the above areas.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Professional expertise:
Proven expertise in PET radiopharmaceutical development and production and in hospital radiopharmacy practices; skills and ability in planning, guiding, directing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating scientific development projects involving all radiopharmaceuticals, including PET tracers.
Good understanding of CRP and TC project processes in the IAEA is strongly desirable.
Good communication skills with demonstrated ability in preparing technical reports.
Interpersonal skills:
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels, with representatives of the Member States and with external counterparts;
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively as part of an international team to achieve collaboratively organizational goals;
Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Computer literacy with the ability to maintain databases.
Education, Experience and Language Skills
Advanced university degree, preferably PhD, in radiochemistry, radiopharmacology, nuclear pharmacy or a related field.
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in radiopharmaceutical development and production, including PET radiotracers and hospital based radiopharmacy, of which at least 3 years should have been at the international level.
Proven experience in collaboration with medical and non-medical professionals in the field of radiopharmaceutical science.
Sound record of publications in the field of radiopharmaceutical science.
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.
Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $64 521 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $42 003*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance.
How to apply to the IAEA
Complete an Online Application
* Subject to change without notice
Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged
Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or to make an appointment with a modified job description
Radiopharmaceutical Scientist (P-4)