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;
RESPONSIBILITIES
Working under the supervision of the Head, Laboratory the post holder will be responsible for the following:
Each Senior Analytical Chemist will have one of the following primary responsibilities, and one or more in a back-up capacity:
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One Senior Analytical Chemist, to be recommended by Head/Laboratory, will be designated by the Director-General as the “Deputy Head/Laboratory and Research Programme Manager”, responsible to the Head/Laboratory for the following functions in addition to their responsibilities as a Senior Analytical Chemist:
Under the supervision of the Head/LAB:
- ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the Laboratory’s day-to-day operations
- Ensure the quality and timeliness of the Laboratory’s output and delivery of services in line with agreed quality management documentation (SOPs, Work Instructions)
- Coordinate the Laboratory’s programme of research projects, in particular, manage the inter-dependencies among the various projects and support the collaboration of the Laboratory with external institutions on specific research projects
- Support the Head / Laboratory in respect of the allocation of resources and prioritisation of tasks
Senior Analytical Chemist:
- Synthetic organic chemist:
- Guarantee the daily operational readiness of the microsynthesis facility (MSF) at OPCW’s Centre for Chemistry and Technology.
- Perform synthesis and purification of small amounts of toxic chemicals within the MSF.
- Perform chemical analysis of synthesized materials by means of NMR and mass spectrometry-based techniques
- Translate knowledge on synthetic chemistry into knowledge relevant for the CWC, in terms of impurity profiling and provenance (chemical forensics).
- Translate knowledge on environmental chemistry into knowledge relevant for the CWC, in terms of agent fate, sampling and analysis.
- Provide technical advice, training and support on inspection and verification related issues including.
- Coordinate research projects at the Centre for Chemistry and Technology.
- Collaborate with other divisions within OPCW, in particular the Inspectorate division.
All 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 an information and place orders to ensure that there is enough equipment and chemicals to support 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 mission by taking part in pre-mission briefings, get medical clearance, fit 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
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 (=> 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.
Experience:
Essential:
At least 7 years experience in the field of analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis with advanced degree or 9 years with first level degree;
A minimum of 6 years recent and practical experience as operator of GC/MS and/or LC/MS and/or NMR instrumentation;
Desirable:
In addition, for the Deputy Head/Laboratory and Research Programme Manager: Desirable: prior experience in project management, including training such as PRINCE2 project management, will be an asset.
Skills and Abilities (key competencies):
- Knowledge of the chemistry of Scheduled chemicals, their precursors and degradation products that are listed in the ‘Annex on Chemicals’ in the CWC;
- 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);
- Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control procedures and international standards;
- Strong computer software and electronic data management skills;
- 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;
- A broad understanding of the various analytical techniques (and their limitations) used by laboratories in the analysis of Convention related chemicals;
- Ability to manage teams in working on technical projects, background in quality management systems;
- 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.
