Research Scientist

OVERVIEWPosition Number: 1ITSC 0868TPGrade: P-3Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)Duty Station: TriesteJob Family: Natural SciencesContract Type: Fixed TermDuration of contract: 2 years, renewableRecruitment open to: Internal and external candidatesApplication deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 21/09/2026UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXTFounded 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.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSTWith overall guidance from the Division Senior Coordinator and under the supervision of the of the Head of the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics Section, the incumbent initiates, develops and coordinates front-line research in their field, which complements that of the section/research group, provides guidance and mentoring to post-doctoral fellows, visitors and students, teaches courses at the ICTP and elsewhere, and participates in the organisation of activities of the section and in the selection of applicants to ICTP programmes and activities related to the section. Essential responsibilities include:KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIESScientific Research:Undertake front-line research in the own field of expertise, identifying, developing and implementing research projects in that fieldParticipate in the hiring of post-doctoral fellowsProvide guidance and mentoring to post-doctoral fellows, and guidance to any associates, visitors or fellows that collaborate on these research projectsReport on the results of the research at major international meetingsEducation and Training:Teach in the Diploma programme and supervise Diploma student thesisProvide scientific supervision to and mentor M.
Sc. and Ph.
D. studentsParticipate in the selection of the Diploma students and of M.
Sc. and Ph.
D. students as required by ICTP programmes. Teach in international programmes of the ICTP, held at ICTP and elsewhereScientific Organisation and Outreach:Establish wide cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in areas related to own area of expertise and formulate appropriate recommendation for incorporation within ICTP programmes.
Organize ICTP meetings, activities in the own field and organise ICTP external activities, predominantly in developing countries, in own field of research.
Apply for and manage individual research grants. Participate in the programmes of ICTP Partner Institutes.
COMPETENCIES
- Core (C) & Managerial (M)Communication (C)Accountability (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Short DescriptionFor detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATIONAdvanced University degree (Ph.
D. or equivalent) in Physics or related discipline.
WORK EXPERIENCEAt least 4 years of relevant professional experience in condensed matter and/or statistical physics or a related field, of which preferably at least 2 years at international level.
Internationally recognized research achievements in the physics of quantum many-body systems, quantum information processing, quantum technologies, or a related field.
Experience in the teaching and/or mentoring of undergraduate or postgraduate students.
Long DescriptionSKILLS AND COMPETENCIESProven ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
Excellent analytical skills. Ability to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources.
Ability to communicate effectively on complex technical and scientific issues in English.
Experience in the design, implementation and management of scientific projects.
Experience in the development and coordination of scientific training programmes.
LANGUAGESExcellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSWORK EXPERIENCERelevant professional research experience acquired at international level, with particular attention to those devoted to developing countries.
Long DescriptionLANGUAGESKnowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTSUNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 90 666 EUR.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESSPlease note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadli