COMPLETE OUTLINE
PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS
Analytical chemist with forensic/environmental specialization:
- Develop and implement methods for:
- Environmental markers of CWC Scheduled chemicals chemical warfare agents and other chemical compounds as determined by the Head of the Laboratory;
- New biomarkers of exposure to chemicals relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) by mass spectrometric or biochemical methods.
- Translate knowledge on environmental chemistry into knowledge relevant for the CWC, in terms of agent fate, sampling, and analysis.
- Translate knowledge on forensic chemistry into knowledge relevant to the CWC, in terms of impurity profiling and provenance.
- Provide technical advice, training and support on inspection and verification of analytical equipment-related issues, including. Evaluation of information and documents related to inspection equipment and sample analysis; Provision of technical advice and information relating to inspection analytical equipment and verification-related analytical issues.
- Coordinate research projects at the new Centre for Chemistry and Technology.
- Assist with the training programme for internal and external participants in the analysis of environmental and biomedical samples.
- Assist with the conduct of the biomedical proficiency testing programme.
- Oversee the maintenance and use of the LC/MS systems.
- Assist with the LC/MS analysis in support of both the environmental and biomedical proficiency testing programmes.
All Senior Analytical Chemist posts share the following responsibilities:
Provide training and certification exercises for AC inspectors or other trainees on performing analyses using GC/MS systems and sample collection and preparation kits
- Assist with the planning of the scope, technical and organisational aspects of the training.
- Develop training materials.
- Prepare and validate instruments for the training.
- Prepare the samples for the training and certification exercises.
- Act as key lecturer and instructor during training and exercises.
- Supervise the work of trainees in the laboratory.
- 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
- Assist with the planning of the scope, technical and organisational aspects of the training.
- Develop training materials.
- Prepare and validate instruments for the training.
- Prepare the samples for the training.
- Act as key lecturer and instructor during training and exercises.
- Supervise the work of trainees in the laboratory.
- Evaluate and report the performance of the trainees.
Maintain OPCW Laboratory accreditation and support QMS
- Actively contribute to the maintenance and development of the QMS in the relevant areas.
- Maintain and develop QMS documentation, including SOPs and Wis.
- Support internal audit activities, receive audit reports and ensure corrective action where necessary.
- Assist with the preparation of the quality manuals, the document control mechanism, and the recording reporting methods.
- Actively participate in cross-training activities to support continuity of expertise in all laboratory processes in case of staff replacement.
- Assist with performing QA audits.
Ensure safe and efficient operation of the OPCW Laboratory, including procurement and maintenance of laboratory equipment in a timely and efficient manner
- Assist with planning and drafting the annual OPCW Laboratory budget.
- Assist with evaluating, selecting, and delegating staff for relevant laboratory tasks.
- Act as senior analytical and CW expert by advising, undertaking and supervising experimental work in the Laboratory.
- Assist with activities necessary to ensure a safe working environment.
- Participate in internal Health and Safety audits.
- Report to the Head of OPCW Laboratory on the operational situation, progress and results.
- Provide information and place orders to ensure that there is enough equipment and chemicals to support the efficient work of the OPCW Laboratory.
- Supervise and undertake procedures for the use, maintenance, calibration and quality assurance of analytical equipment are in place.
- 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
- Develop, test and validate analytical methods.
- Receive and evaluate information and documents related to inspection equipment and sample analysis.
- Provide technical advice and support to the Head of the Laboratory when required.
- 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.
Assist the Inspectorate by acting as an Analytical Chemist Inspector
- Perform research on industrial chemicals and their analysis prior to an inspection.
- Prepare for the mission by taking part in pre-mission briefings, getting medical clearance, and fitting personal protective equipment.
- Travel on inspections and function as an Analytical Chemist.
- Report/brief post-inspection.
Assist in the Preparation of Authentic Samples
- Handle, process and split samples gathered by inspectors and sent for offsite analysis.
- Evaluate reports prepared by designated laboratories.
- Provide advice and feedback to inspectors as required.
Perform other duties as required
RECRUITING PROFILE
Education (Qualifications):
Essential: An advanced degree in Chemistry or equivalent from a recognized institution. A first-level university degree in combination with extensive relevant laboratory experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Desirable: Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on Analytical Chemistry, preferably combined with extensive knowledge of environmental and/or forensic chemistry.
Experience:
Essential:
- At least 7 years experience in the field of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis with an advanced degree or 9 years with a first-level degree, preferably from the field of environmental or forensic chemistry.
- A minimum of 6 years of recent and practical experience as an operator of GC/MS and/or LC/MS instrumentation.
- Specific experience with data analysis and analytical libraries.
- Knowledge and experience in environmental and forensic chemistry, as can be derived from publication records.
Desirable:
- Experience in chemometrics and database curation is highly desirable.
- Experience in project management is highly desirable.
- Experience in analytical techniques relevant to forensic/environmental chemistry, such as ICP-MS and IRMS is desirable
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
To succeed in this role you will need the following skills and competencies:
- Practical knowledge of GC/MS processing software such as Agilent Chemstation/ MassHunter and AMDIS.
- Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their nomenclature, precursors, and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC, as well as knowledge of methods these chemicals can be analyzed.
- Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures and international standards.
- Strong computer software and electronic data management skills.
- A broad understanding of the various analytical techniques (and their limitations) used by laboratories in the analysis of Convention related chemicals.
- Basic understanding of modern database methodology and statistical methods for quality control.
- Project management skills (e.g. IPMA or equivalent).
- 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.
