Senior Analytical Chemist (P-4)

Principal Functions

Reporting to the Head, Laboratory and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Senior Analytical Chemist performs the following duties:

Assisting in conducting the inter-laboratory proficiency testing programmes by:

1. Assisting Head of the Laboratory with planning and organising tests;
2. Advising  the Preparing laboratory on sample preparation and shipping;
3. Supervising and performing independent analyses of test samples;
4. Supervising and writing the OPCW Laboratory reports from analyses of  samples;
5. Evaluation of the participants’ reports of the tests, providing evaluation reports;
6. Advising Evaluating laboratory on performing analyses and checking of their draft evaluation report;
7. Acting as a key member in meetings to discuss evaluation results with the evaluating laboratory;
8. Checking of evaluation reports;
9. Assisting in drafting of the preliminary evaluation reports;
10. Assisting with the meetings to discuss results of proficiency tests;
11. Assisting with finalisation of test results;
12. Maintaining and updating the QDOCs related to this activity;
13. Taking the lead with respect to audits by OIO and/or RvA for proficiency testing.

Operation and maintenance of GC/MS systems for dispatch on missions requiring on-site sampling and analysis:

1. Inform Head of Laboratory of resource requirements;
2. Ensure proper operation and maintenance of GC/MS systems in the laboratory;
3. Prepare GC/MS systems for dispatch on missions as per standard operating procedures and accredited quality system;
4. Development,  testing and validation of analytical methods and procedures for GC/MS sample analysis and in particular for the analysis of chemicals in on-site analysis;
5. Maintenance of the GC/MS calibration room and the instruments used for missions;
6. Oversee that all necessary maintenance and spare parts is purchased in a timely and efficient manner;
7. Maintain and update the QDOCs related to this activity;
8. Take the lead with respect to audits by OIO and/or RvA for GC/MS instrument dispatch;
9. Provide training for inspectors on the use of GC/MS instruments in on-site analysis;
10. Provide training for inspectors and other laboratory staff members on the testing and calibration of GC/MS instruments prior to dispatch;
11. Provide support to the Head of Laboratory in interpretation of data related to GC/MS especially with regard to Proficiency Test Results.

Provide training and certification exercises for AC inspectors or other trainees on performing analyses using GC/MS systems and sample collection and preparation kits:

1. Assist with the planning of the scope, technical and organisational aspects of the training;
2. Development of training materials;
3. Preparation and validation of instruments for the training;
4. Preparation of the samples for the training and certification exercises;
5. Act as key lecturer and instructor during training and exercises;
6. Supervise the work of trainees in the laboratory;
7. Evaluate and report the performance of the trainees.

Develop and provide training for both internal and external participants on 1) performing analyses using analytical equipment such as GC/MS, LC/MS and NMR, 2) methods/techniques supporting the proficiency testing programme, 3) safe handling of chemical agents, 4) synthesis of chemical agents, 5) other training courses as determined by the Head of the Laboratory:

1. Assist with the planning of the scope, technical and organisational aspects of the training;
2. Development of training materials;
3. Preparation and validation of instruments for the training;
4. Preparation of the samples for the training;
5. Act as key lecturer and instructor during training and exercises;
6. Supervise the work of trainees in the laboratory;
7. Evaluate and report the performance of the trainees.

Maintain OPCW Laboratory accreditation and support QMS:

1. Actively contribute to the maintenance and development of the QMS in the relevant areas;
2. Maintain and develop QMS documentation , including SOPs and WIs;
3. Support internal audit activities, receive audit reports and ensure corrective action where necessary;
4. Assist with the preparation of the quality manuals, the document control mechanism and the recording reporting methods;
5. Actively participate in cross training activities to support continuity of expertise in all laboratory processes in case of staff replacement;
6. Assist with performing QA audits.

All Senior Analytical Chemists in the laboratory share the following responsibilities:

Ensure safe and efficient operation of the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk Facility including procurement and maintenance of laboratory equipment in a timely and efficient manner:

1. Assist with planning and drafting the annual OPCW Laboratory budget;
2. Assist with evaluating, selecting and delegating staff for relevant laboratory tasks;
3. Act as senior analytical and CW expert by advising, undertaking and supervising experimental work in the Laboratory;
4. Assist with activities necessary to ensure a safe working environment;
5. Participate in internal Health and Safety audits;
6. Report to the Head of OPCW Laboratory on the operational situation, progress and results;
7. Provide an information and place orders to ensure that there is enough equipment and chemicals to support efficient work of the OPCW Laboratory;
8. Supervise and undertake procedures for the use, maintenance, calibration and quality assurance of analytical equipment are in place;
9. Support procurement of equipment in technical aspects and advise the Committee on Contracts as needed.

Provide technical advice, training and support on inspection analytical equipment-related issues and verification-related analytical issues:

1. Develop, test and validate analytical methods;
2. Receive and evaluate information and documents related to inspection equipment and sample analysis;
3. Provide technical advice and support to the Head of the Laboratory when required;
4. Ensure that different divisions and branches of OPCW are provided with technical advice and information relating to inspection analytical equipment and verification-related analytical issues when requested;
5. Assist the Inspectorate by acting as an Analytical Chemist Inspector;
6. Perform research on industrial chemicals and their analysis prior to an inspection;
7. Prepare for mission by taking part in pre-mission briefings, get medical clearance, fit personal protective equipment;
8. Travel on inspections and function as an Analytical Chemist;
9. Report/brief post inspection.

Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential 

An advanced degree in Chemistry (majoring in either organic, analytical orinorganic chemistry) or equivalent from a recognized institution. A first-level university degree in combination with extensive relevant laboratory experience (=> 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Desirable

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Toxicology preferably with a focus on Analytical or Synthetic Chemistry.

Experience

Essential

1. At least 7 years’ experience in the field of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis with advanced degree or 9 years with first level degree;
2. A minimum of 6 years recent and practical experience as operator of GC/MS and/or LC/MS and/or NMR instrumentation;
3. Several years of  recent and practical experience in the analysis of chemical weapons related samples; including sample collection and sample preparation procedures for environmental samples;
4. Several years of  recent and practical experience in the synthesis of chemical weapons and related compounds.

Experience in one of the following will be an asset:

1. The analysis of biomedical samples;
2. OPCW Proficiency Test Programme;
3. The synthesis of research chemicals related to the chemical weapons convention will be an asset;
4. Developing & teaching training courses will be an asset.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies)

1. Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their precursors and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC;
2. Knowledge of sampling and analysis procedures for the analysis of chemical weapons related chemicals and of related instrumental analytical methods and techniques (GC/MS, LC/MS, FTIR, NMR);
3. Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures and international standards;
4. Strong computer software and electronic data management skills;
5. Practical knowledge of GC/MS processing software such as Agilent Chemstation and MS library managing software such as NIST MS Search/AMDIS;
6. Basic understanding of general analytical methods including their limitations and of modern instrumentation needed to apply these methods in field as well as laboratory situations;
7. A broad understanding of the various analytical techniques (and their limitations) used by laboratories in the analysis of Convention related chemicals;
8. Ability to manage teams in working on technical projects, background in quality management systems;
9. Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.