Physicist – Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures [BIPM] is an intergovernmental organization whose mandate is to provide the basis for a coherent system of measurements throughout the world, traceable to the International System of Units [SI]. The BIPM is based in Sèvres, on the outskirts of Paris (France), and has an international staff of about 70. Further information can be found at https://www.bipm.org/en/.
The BIPM seeks to recruit for the following appointment:
- Post: Physicist in Ionizing Radiation
- Deadline for applications: 31 August 2023 (23h59 Paris time)
- Envisaged starting date: February 2024
- Type of contract: Permanent full-time contract
- Location: Sèvres (a suburb of Paris), France
The Ionizing Radiation Department of the BIPM holds the international reference standards and maintain reference x- and gamma-radiation facilities for the determination of the dosimetric quantities air kerma and absorbed dose to water, with applications in radiotherapy, radioprotection, industrial processing and in the nuclear industry. The Department collaborates with National Metrology Institutes worldwide to validate the reference measurements made by national laboratories holding primary dosimetric standards and to provide traceability to the SI for those holding national secondary standards.
The Ionizing Radiation Department has a permanent staff of 8 and the dosimetry group comprises two physicists and one technician.
Principal duties and responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of the Ionizing Radiation Department, the successful applicant will:
- Operate the on-site comparison and calibration services for low- and medium-energy x- rays, from the point of request to the provision of the final documentation.
- Develop and maintain the primary standards, reference facilities and quality system that underpin these services.
- Participate in ongoing research activities in collaboration with the other members of the dosimetry group, including future developments in megavoltage electron dosimetry.
- Communicate activities to management and the wider community in the form of reports, meetings, and web-based exchanges.
Required qualifications
Education
- PhD in physics.
Work experience
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the practical dosimetry of x- and/or gamma-ray beams for radiotherapy applications and in the analysis of experimental data including measurement uncertainty.
- Experience working with primary and/or secondary standards.
- Some experience in electron dosimetry would be viewed favorably.
Skills and competencies
- Proven ability to make careful and reliable measurements with sensitive equipment.
- Data and uncertainty analysis; familiarity with Excel.
- Data presentation skills.
- Attention to detail, a focus on the elimination of errors and an interest in maintaining the associated quality system.
- Good oral and written communication skills in English; a working knowledge of French is desirable.
- Autonomous, self-motivated, and able to work in a small team.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to maintain effective working relationships inside and outside the organization.
Terms of Employment & Benefits
The BIPM offers for this position a full-time appointment with an initial probationary period of 6 months which may be renewable once. The annual gross salary on appointment will be competitive and will depend on qualifications and experience. It is expected that the annual gross salary offered, which is not subject to income tax in France (but taken into consideration for the calculation of the effective taxation rate, depending on the marital situation), will be between €56.093 and €74.191.
Benefits include a minimum of thirty working days’ vacation per year. The BIPM provides a contributory pension scheme and private health insurance for staff members, which can be extended to cover dependents. In addition, various allowances are applicable, including to an expatriate, depending on family circumstances.
More information on the Benefits & General Conditions of Employment at the BIPM
Applications
The BIPM encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender.
A curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter (in English) should be sent by 31 August 2023 (23h59, Paris time) to:
Applications should include the names of two persons who can comment on the applicant's suitability for the post (who will only be contacted with the prior permission of the candidate). Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. They may be invited to take part in a distance written test and/or in a remote interview as part of the selection process, scheduled to start in September 2023. Thereafter, successful candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview. The selection process may be modified.
The BIPM retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a different grade, to make an appointment with a modified job description, or to offer a contract term for a shorter duration than the one indicated in this vacancy announcement.
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