As seen in the 03 February issue of Science:

The Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) invites applications for the post of Director of the Ionizing Radiation Department, due to the imminent retirement of the present post-holder.

The BIPM, Sèvres, France, is an intergovernmental scientific 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 works in close collaboration with the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) of its Member States and Associates and liaises with other intergovernmental organizations and international bodies with an interest in reliable measurements. It has an international staff of 75 and an annual budget of about 13 million euros. Further information about the BIPM can be found on the website: www.bipm.org.

The Ionizing Radiation Department is one of the five scientific departments of the BIPM. The Department provides traceability to the SI for all of the BIPM's Member States, either directly or indirectly, for radionuclide activity measurements and x-ray and gamma-ray dosimetry. To carry out this work, the Department has appropriately equipped laboratories for the handling and measurement of radionuclides and operates a range of x-ray equipment and gamma beam facilities for comparisons and characterizations of national standards for dosimetry. The Department is composed of nine scientists and technicians working together to fulfill the needs for international traceability in these fields.

Duties

Reporting directly to the BIPM Director, the Director of the Ionizing Radiation Department will undertake the following scientific and administrative duties:

• Direct and supervise the scientific work and the development of the Department's activities in accordance with the Programme of Work and budget as decided by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM), the governing body of the BIPM, formed by representatives of the governments of its Member States;
• Participate in the scientific work of the Department, demonstrating active leadership and continuing professional development;
• Maintain the Department's measurement services in accordance with the requirements of the BIPM's quality management system and assure editorial support for the Department's publications;
• Promote metrology, particularly ionizing radiation metrology, including BIPM representational roles to the NMIs, regional metrology organizations (RMOs), intergovernmental organizations and international bodies with similar objectives to those of the BIPM;
• Provide the Executive Secretary role and liaise closely with the President of the Consultative Committee for Ionizing Radiation (CCRI) that meets annually with biennial meetings of its three Sections covering: x- and gamma-rays and charged particles; radionuclide metrology; and neutron metrology. The CCRI currently has eleven Working Groups, which the CCRI Executive Secretary supports, covering specific aspects of its activities;
• Maintain and personally encourage a culture of safe working in accordance with the BIPM Health and Safety rules;
• Manage personnel-related issues in the Department, including selection of staff, objective setting, guidance, training, annual staff performance review and appraisal;
• Participate in the management of the Department's finances and infrastructure through effective budgeting and expenditure control;
• Play an active and constructive role at the regular meetings of Directors of Department and Heads of Section and at other corporate meetings of senior staff;
• Exercise a proper duty of care for staff, seconded staff, interns and visitors to the Department;
• Perform other duties as required by the BIPM Director.

Employment conditions

The BIPM Headquarters are located at the Pavillon de Breteuil, Sèvres, France, situated just outside Paris. The BIPM offers a full-time permanent appointment with an initial probationary period of 6 months. The BIPM offers a salary and conditions of employment in accordance with the Regulations, Rules and Instructions applicable to staff members of the BIPM. The BIPM operates its own contributory pension scheme and subscribes to a private medical insurance plan for its staff and their families. The BIPM, its staff and its site enjoy the privileges and immunities normally granted by the French government to intergovernmental organizations.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

• a PhD or equivalent qualification;
• at least 10 years of relevant work experience, experience in an intergovernmental organization would be an asset;
• specific knowledge of ionizing radiation metrology and general knowledge of the physical sciences;
• an international scientific reputation attained through relevant publications and committee membership;
• significant management experience, leadership and diplomatic skills;
• a PCR or RPA certificate or equivalent experience;
• fluency in spoken and written English and the ability to communicate in French (following lessons if necessary).
• the ability to work in a multicultural environment and to maintain good working relations inside and outside the organization.

Applications
Applications should be sent to the BIPM Director, Dr Michael Kühne, BIPM, Pavillon de Breteuil, F-92312 Sèvres Cedex, France, by 29 February 2012 at the latest with a copy by email to ldelloro@bipm.org, including a covering letter, a curriculum vitae and a list of publications. Applications should include the names of three referees who will be asked to give their opinion on the candidate's suitability for the post. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview. Prospective candidates are encouraged to make preliminary contact, in confidence, with either the Director of the BIPM, (mkuehne@bipm.org) or the Director of the Ionizing Radiation Department, Dr Allisy-Roberts (allisy-roberts@bipm.org). The BIPM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.