Head of Section / Senior Research Scientist

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 1ITSC 0834TP

Grade : P-5

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 02-DEC-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.

Under the supervision of the Director of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), and the coordination of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), the incumbent will lead the Earth System Physics Section of ICTP, supervising a team of research scientists, defining new research directions, planning and engaging resources necessary for their implementation. The incumbent will promote the mission of ICTP in the developing world and will help design and implement joint activities within the Research and Partnerships Division. In coordination with the heads of the other scientific Sections, the incumbent will lead efforts to ensure scientific excellence in the areas of Earth System Physics through proper recruitments of scientists and research fellows. The incumbent will build strategic scientific partnerships and collaborations and will collaborate with the Institute Advancement Unit in efforts to secure funding for the Section's research programmes. S/He will provide guidance and mentoring to ICTP scientists, post-doctoral fellows, visitors and students. The incumbent will teach courses as required at the ICTP and lead the organisation scientific activities and events in the area of expertise.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Long Description

Scientific Research Leadership:

• Identify, develop and manage research activities, and provide strategic advice on research priorities to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships).
• Build partnerships and collaborate with leading research institutions worldwide to exchange scientific information and establish collaboration on scientific programmes.
• Identify resources needed for the new research programmes, select staff and research fellows. 
• Ensure a high level of scientific excellence in the implementation of existing research programmes. Provide overall scientific guidance and mentoring to staff, fellows, associates and visitors to the Centre.
• Represent ICTP at major international scientific meetings, reporting on the results of the research and presenting opportunities for collaboration.
• Supervise the Section's staff, creating an engaging and motivating working environment. Proactively search for and attract new talent in the field.

Programme Leadership:

• Provide authoritative technical advice to the Director and to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships) on the scientific aspects of ICTP educational and training programmes in the field of Earth System Physics. Serve as a major expert contributor to the formulation of scientific agreements with institutions and governmental bodies.
• Participate in the funding drive of the Institute Advancement Unit by presenting new research and collaboration opportunities and their potential benefits in moving forward innovative scientific ideas. Advocate the need for capacity building in the field of research in developing countries.
• On request of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), represent ICTP in meetings with international and national institution in order to promote the ICTP and its mission, and participate in the Institute's academic advisory boards. 
• Contribute to the management of ICTP Partner institutes by sitting on their scientific governing and advisory boards and executing the strategic policy of ICTP.

Long Description

Education and Training:

• Teach in the International programmes and Diploma programme of ICTP, supervise Diploma theses, provide scientific supervision and mentor M.Sc. & Ph.D. students.
• Participate in the selection of the Diploma students, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.
• Teach in the international programmes of the ICTP, both those held at ICTP and elsewhere.

Scientific Organisation and Outreach:  

• Establish wide cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in areas related to Earth System Physics. Formulate appropriate recommendations how to address these needs within ICTP programmes.
• In consultation with the Senior Coordinators, decide on the scientific meetings to be held in the area of Earth System Physics and oversee their organization. 
• Organise ICTP external activities, predominantly in developing countries, in the field of research that is of interest to the outreach aims or more generally to the mission of the ICTP.
• Apply for and manage individual research grants.

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COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Physics, Earth Sciences, or related disciplines. 

Work Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-doctoral research experience in Physics or a related field, of which preferably five (5) years at international level. 
• Proven publication record of high caliber and international recognition.
• Technical expertise to handle complex scientific issues and determine new research directions.
• Experience in the design, implementation and management of scientific projects.
• Experience in the teaching and/or mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Experience in donor relations and/or scientific outreach.
• Experience in coordinating and managing research collaborations and projects with developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising teams.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to propose innovative research directions and approaches.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to establish plans and priorities and effectively implement them.
• Broad scientific perspective to be able coordinate the diverse reserach priorities of the Centre.
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large number of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships and to ensure a high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Languages 

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in planning and managing significant budgets.
• Experience in organizing scientific conferences and events.
• Experience in international collaboration, such as educational and training activities in low and middle income (LMI) countries.

 
Languages

• Knowledge of Italian or of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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