Consultant - AI in Nuclear Data Services

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the Division provides support to Member States in the following fields\: production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in health care and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.

 

Main Purpose

To assess and guide the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in nuclear data evaluation, accelerator operations, and neutron source applications. The consultant will evaluate current practices, identify gaps, and propose frameworks for AI verification, benchmarking, and governance aligned with international safety and ethical standards.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Tasks\:

• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of AI applications in nuclear data, accelerators, and neutron sources.
• Advise on the strategic integration of AI into nuclear data workflows, governance, and service delivery.
• Develop verification protocols for AI systems used in nuclear modelling, diagnostics, and control.
• Provide technical expertise and input to the Division Director in engaging Member States, ensuring transparency, trust, and alignment around AI's role in data services, particularly in areas of standards, validation, and equitable access.
• Advise on the strategic integration of AI into nuclear data workflows, governance, and service delivery.
• Contribute to cross-divisional opportunities for AI adoption, helping position the Division as a catalyst for both data safety and innovation across the IAEA and its global community.
• Propose governance models for AI oversight, certification, and ethical review.
• Prepare reports, policy briefs, and strategic recommendations.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, Member States, and technical working groups.


Deliverables\:
• Inception Report
• Needs Assessment Report
• Verification and Benchmarking Framework
• Governance Recommendations
• Final Report.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree (masters) in nuclear engineering, computer science, data science, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in AI system evaluation or nuclear science applications.

• Familiarity with accelerator physics, neutron instrumentation, or nuclear data processing.

• Experience with international organizations or regulatory bodies preferred.

• Strong analytical and technical writing skills.

• Ability to synthesize interdisciplinary insights.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 325, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.