Associate Research Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 1ITSC PA123TP

Grade : P-2

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 07-JAN-2026

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

This position is a 50% part-time role, and the specific working hours will be flexible and determined in consultation upon entry to UNESCO. 

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. ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world. For more than 50 years, ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world.

Long Description

ICTP and the International School for Advanced Stuides (SISSA) have recently started a collaborative project on  "Statistical mechanics for active matter, complex systems and data science". Under the supervision of Head of Section/Research Scientist the incumbent will collaborate closely with scientists both from ICTP and SISSA to advance research in the scientific field of the project. The incumbent is also expected to actively participate in the ICTP programmes in their area of scientific expertise and should be in contact with similar institutions around the world and research scientists internationally to exchange knowhow and information.

The incumbent will perform the following functions:

Long Description

Research

•   Undertake front-line research in Statistical Mechanics and especially its applications in fields related to active matter, complex systems, and data science. 

Program coordination and training

•   Organize seminars, schools, workshops, conferences and topical meetings.

Teaching and mentoring

•   Teach, as required, in Master Programs and/or in Diploma Course Programs.

•   Collaborate, as appropriate, with the Associates as well as other visitors to the Centre, especially those from developing countries.

•   Contribute to any additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the collaborative project with SISSA.  

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Professionalism (C) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) -
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in statistical mechanics of which preferably 1 year acquired at the international level

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, with minimum supervision, and to sustain periods with workload peaks.
• Discretion and capacity to deal efficiently and tactfully with visitors and staff members of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds and building partnerships between scientific institutions
• Ability to conduct research under moderate supervision
• Experience in organizing seminars and workshops
• Experience in teaching and mentoring Master and Diploma Students 

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in an international environment and/or the United Nations (UN) system.
• Experience in a scientific organization or educational institute.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and understanding of research environment

LANGUAGES

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

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

e approximate annual starting salary for this post is 35,966 USD at the 50% part-time rate (full-time equivalent: 71,932 USD). 

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

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