Type of contract
Member of the European Commission’s contract staff, Function Group IV (article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants)
Duration of contract 36 months (renewable up to maximum 6 years)
Area
Laboratory work and scientific project management for nuclear reference materials and measurements in support to Euratom safeguards
Place of employment Geel (BE)
Indicative basic salary
4.449,31 - 6.444,59 € (applicable as of 1st of July 2025)
For more detailed information please consult: Working Conditions
We are
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.
We provide anticipatory capacity, solid expertise and ability to propose and implement interdisciplinary research. The activities are carried out in collaboration with relevant Commission Services, national and international organisations and stakeholders. At the JRC we organise our work in portfolios which are the main building blocks of our multi-annual work programmes. The JRC is located in five Member States (Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). More information about the JRC and its portfolios can be found at: https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
The current vacancy is in Unit G.6 within Directorate G of the JRC. This unit specialises in the provision of high-quality nuclear data, measurement standards, scientific policy advice, and training in support of EU policies related to nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
Unit G.6 closely collaborates with stakeholders to enhance the value of its deliverables, expertise, and advanced research infrastructure. This includes two accelerator-based neutron facilities, an underground laboratory, radionuclide metrology, and nuclear reference material laboratories. The unit promotes open data and open access to its facilities.
The current vacancy focusses on the development and production of nuclear certified reference materials (CRMs) and measurements in support to Euratom Safeguards verification and fissile material control.
We offer:
An interesting job with a lot of variety and interaction with different people, a (family) friendly working environment located in a green area and in the proximity of the European School Mol. As a JRC employee, you will also enjoy learning opportunities that will allow you to further develop your skills and talents.
Please see also Working at the European Commission
We propose
The successful candidate (job holder) will support the scientific work program of the JRC as carried out by the Unit Nuclear Data and Measurement Standards in support to Euratom safeguards by designing, preparing and characterizing nuclear certified reference materials for fissile material control and verification.
The job holder will be responsible for production campaigns of uranium and plutonium reference materials, internal reports, and scientific publications. The job holder will carry out the corresponding scientific and technical projects involving radiochemistry, nuclear mass spectrometry, and reference material production and characterization. All handling is done in fume cupboards and glove boxes in a nuclear controlled area. The job holder will support the unit’s accreditation under the ISO 17025 and 17034 standards. The job holder will work in a collaborative manner in a team in an open and inclusive international atmosphere.
We look for
We are looking for a well-motivated, dynamic, result-oriented scientist with a Master degree or equivalent in chemistry, preferably in the field of inorganic or analytical chemistry, and with at least one year of experience in the field, hands-on in a chemistry (or similar) laboratory (essential).
A PhD degree is desirable but not compulsory.
The successful candidate will have the potential to provide effective support to the JRC after one year of training and to support the full needs given in the job description within two years.
Experience with and knowledge of laboratory practices in a nuclear laboratory and/or radiochemistry is an advantage, in particular: analytical laboratory practices; analytical measurement techniques; separation and analysis techniques; reference materials and measurements; mass spectrometry; metrology.
The job holder will go through targeted training, either following courses or on the job, to develop the skills that are missing.
The ability to learn quickly and develop is an important asset.
The successful candidate will show good interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a positive attitude and adaptability to a nuclear laboratory working environment.
The working language is English, requiring mastering the language at level B2. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
The job holder will need to apply for security clearance.
The position requires physical presence on site to execute laboratory activities.
How to apply
If you are already on a valid CAST FG IV reserve list, or you have already applied to one of the calls below, you can directly submit your application at JRC Recruitment Portal.
If not, before applying to this position, you must register for one of the two following databases:
- the Call for Expressions of Interest | EU Careers (europa.eu) (CAST Permanent FG IV), which is used by a wide range of organisations (institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union), or
- the call for researchers (JRC Call COM/1/2015/GFIV – Research), which is mainly used by the JRC.
Note that each of the calls above has different minimum eligibility requirements and different selection tests.
The JRC cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment, and embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.