Senior Analytical Chemist (P-4)

About us 

The OPCW’s Verification Division works towards achieving chemical disarmament and preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons through participation in the planning and oversight of inspections at both military and chemical industry facilities. The division also manages declarations while maintaining and strengthening the scientific capabilities of the Organisation, especially its laboratory component. The division also conducts Technical Assistance Visits at the request of States Parties.

 

The Division is responsible for the day-to-day operation of OPCW’s verification regime. It is a key element of the Secretariat, using trustworthy and science-based information to implement all aspects of the Convention including decisions from the Policy Making Organs.

 

General Information

• Contract Type: Fixed-term Professional
• Grade: P4
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD 9 307
• Closing Date: 16/04/2022

Responsibilities

 

Job Summary

This position is part of the OPCW Laboratory that is responsible to provide efficient and effective support, technical as well as scientific advice to the Organisation on the verification related activities. The OPCW Laboratory provides trainings and certifications on equipment and procedures, handle authentic samples taken during inspections as well as do research, development and implementation methods for analysis and testing programs; and maintains the OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD).

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Analytical Chemist are to support the implementation of a credible verification regime by ensuring that the OPCW Laboratory operates in an efficient manner in accordance with quality assurance standards.

 

Main Responsibilities 

(SAC Bioanalytical) The incumbent of this post is responsible for the Toxin Confidence Building Exercise. This involves sample preparation, dispatch, report evaluation and administration. Assist with the management of the biomedical proficiency testing programme.

 

Also, the Senior Analytical Chemist will provide technical advice and support on inspection equipment-related topics and verification-related analytical matters to include technical support to inspectors in the field during routine inspections.

 

Qualifications and Experience

 

Education

Essential: An advanced degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology 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, Biochemistry or Toxicology preferably with a focus on Analytical or Bioanalytical Chemistry.

 

Knowledge and Experience

 

Essential:

• At least 7 years experience in the field of analytical chemistry/protein chemistry/biochemistry and instrumental analysis with advanced degree or 9 years with first level degree;
• A minimum of 6 years recent and practical experience as an operator of LC/MS instrumentation;
• Several years of recent and practical experience in the analysis of proteins and/or peptides.
   

Desirable:

Skills in the management of proficiency tests are highly desirable.  Experience developing & teaching training courses will be an asset. Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their precursors and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC would be highly desirable. Knowledge of antibody production would be an asset.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role you will need the following skills and competencies:

• Practical experience in protein extraction and purification;
• Knowledge of protein analysis by LC-MS/MS or LC-HRMS;
• Knowledge of protein quantification and detection methods e.g. ELISA;
• Experience with immuno-affinity techniques;
• Practical knowledge of LC/MS, LC-MS/MS, LC-Orbitrap systems and processing software;
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures and international standards;
• Strong computer software and electronic data management skills;
• A good understanding of general analytical methods including their limitations and of modern instrumentation needed to apply these methods;
• Ability to manage teams in working on technical projects, familiarity with quality management systems;
• Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages

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.

 

Additional Information

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.

 

The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.

 

The mandatory age of separation at the OPCW is 65 years.

 

Fixed-term staff members participate in the OPCW provident fund. A monthly staff contribution is met with a doubled amount by the OPCW to ensure separating staff have the capital necessary to move on to new challenges.

 

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

 

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

 

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.